Mets fans are happy, but still hoping for one more giant splash

Justin Verlander. Jose Quintana. Kodai Senga. David Robertson. Brandon Nimmo. They are all replacing someone who left the New York Mets in free agency. In Nimmo’s case, he is replacing the temporary hole he left in center field.

Mets fans are happy. But there is one last big name free agent they are hoping to see sign with New York.

Sitting out there unsigned and very familiar with shortstop Francisco Lindor is Carlos Correa. The Mets have outbid many clubs for the free agents they have brought in. Can they pull off the greatest magic trick and do it once more by signing Correa and making him their starting third baseman in 2023 and well beyond?

How likely are the Mets to sign Carlos Correa?

The idea of signing Trea Turner, moving him to second base, and putting Jeff McNeil in the outfield was something Mets fans considered in their dream lineup scenarios. It never did feel all that realistic. Nothing from Turner’s history suggested he’d even want to change positions.

Correa, on the other hand, has already played third base alongside Lindor while representing Team Puerto Rico. Coincidentally enough, Javier Baez was at second base.

Correa will be seeking a deal of at least $300 million, but may settle for less. He went short-term last offseason then used his opt-out to leave the Minnesota Twins after one season.

Third base is definitely one of the position the Mets could upgrade offensively. The DH spot would be more important, however, with Correa as a candidate for the hot corner, it’s the direction to jump at if he does indeed have a willingness to change positions.

The market for Correa remains robust with even the New York Yankees as a potential landing spot. The Twins will try to retain him. After taking multiple L’s this offseason, let’s not rule out the San Francisco Giants either.

It’s hard to dismiss the idea of Correa signing with the Mets entirely. After all, they’ve been killing it this winter already. It remains a dream addition. We have to figure they will at least have a conversation internally and with his agent. If the Yankees can look at Correa after bringing back Aaron Judge, the Mets can do so with their mostly shorter-term additions.