The Chicago Cubs have found their shortstop for the 2022 season. We are talking about … Andrelton Simmons.
He signed a one-year contract valued at four million dollars. He could win more if he plays well.
Cubs closing in on free-agent shortstop Andrelton Simmons, source tells @TheAthletic.
—Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 11, 2022
What you have to understand is that the Cubs are still in the race for Carlos Correa. If Chicago wants to sign him, it’s not Simmons who is in the paws at this price.
And that, the excellent Ken Rosenthal has confirmed.
A one-year agreement with Andrelton Simmons – $4M, plus incentives, per @JonHeyman – would not preclude the Cubs from pursuing Carlos Correa, if they choose to move in that direction.
—Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 11, 2022
The Yankees (who were linked to Simmons to help develop the club’s young prospects) and the Cubs are still the two clubs most linked to Correa. That doesn’t change.
At worst, the Yankees may turn to Isiah Kiner-Falefa to give the prospects some time.
I just remembered that the Yankees had some trade interest in Isiah Kiner-Falefa of the Rangers as a SS option. So now I’m reminding you.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) March 11, 2022
If Chicago signs Correa, Correa will play shortstop and Simmons will play…somewhere else. It doesn’t matter: it’s not his average of .223 in Minnesota that will dampen the enthusiasm of the Cubs.
The second goal exists, just like the position of DH. It is not important at this point.
4 shortstop infield with Madrigal Hoerner Simmons and Correa https://t.co/pHBHfiU2sx
— Jeremy Frank (@MLBRandomStats) March 11, 2022
Nothing changes, therefore: we can continue to link Correa to the teams we want, including the Cubs.
Back to your normal programming.
- The deadline for transactions will not necessarily be July 31.
#MLB Trade Deadline no longer July 31st….Commissioner now has authority to set the date between 7/28 and 8/3 each year.
—Jim Bowden⚾️ (@JimBowdenGM) March 11, 2022
- Next work stoppage: December 2026.
Also, for those who have asked, the new five-year deal effectively covers the next five seasons, not full calendar years. So the expiration date for this CBA will be Dec. 1, 2026.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) March 11, 2022
- The Mets want to free up some cash.
Mets are said by agents, execs to be working actively in the trade market, trying to move veteran position players.
—Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) March 11, 2022
