Yesterday, we learned that the San Francisco Giants had postponed their press conference in order to present Carlos Correa. Why? Because his physical tests showed a problem. Often, in such a case, the contract can be renegotiated downwards. It was what I expected.
But since Scott Boras is an agent who does things differently, he turned around and signed his client to a 12-year contract with the Mets.
It’s one of the craziest turnovers in baseball history...which surpasses the time when “Arson” Judge signed to SF.
He will earn $315 million, which is less than the 13-year, $350 million contract previously signed.
As Marc Bergevin once said when he was the GM of the Montreal Canadiens: if you want loyalty, buy yourself a dog.
We knew Steve Cohen wasn’t done shopping, but we didn’t know he was going to sign Correa, a guy he tried to sign just before he signed with the Giants.
This is the missing piece, he said.
But there, by signing Correa on the terms of such a contract, Cohen demonstrates more than ever that he doesn’t give a damn about the luxury tax.
He spent more than $800 million this winter. That includes Justin Verlander and Correa, two former Astros who end up in the Big Apple.
With a payroll of $384 million, he is $94 million above the top level of the luxury tax. He will pay about $111 million in luxury tax this year.
Brandon Crawford will therefore be able to stay at shortstop and it is rather Correa who will play at third base (for the Mets) since the Mets are counting on Francisco Lindor.
For the Giants, it’s a huge loss. The guy was the star the club needed and he was going to change the culture there.
But over 13 years and with such a contract, there was a risk. I can’t wait to see how he will be received in San Francisco when he shows up.
And maybe in a few years, we’ll watch him play and think the Giants had a narrow escape. What a turnaround.
