Everyone thinks the Detroit Tigers are landing Carlos Correa

Local and national writers alike are predicting that the Detroit Tigers will sign Carlos Correa in free agency

The baseball season is behind us and the Detroit Tigers are now in the process of deciding on how to make their ball club better for 2022. Likewise, media keyboards across the country have been taking a beating with free agent prediction pieces.

Calling a shot is fun, especially when it hits. It is no secret that one of the main priorities for the Detroit Tigers this winter is to address the shortstop position. Conveniently, this free-agent class of shortstops, headlined by Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, Trevor Story, Javier Baez, and Marcus Semien, is one of the best classes at the position in some time.

Maybe it’s familiarity with manager AJ Hinch, or maybe it’s Chris Illitch’s commentary about adding impact talent this offseason. Could it be that the fans’ sentiment is seeping into the psyche of prominent, national writers and analysts? Regardless, Carlos Correa is the overwhelming favorite to sign with the Detroit Tigers.

The Detroit News picks Correa to Detroit

In a recent piece from Tony Paul of the Detroit News ($), Correa is predicted to sign a nine-year, $270 million deal with the Detroit Tigers. From the piece:

"“If there’s one problem, it’s that the market is full of high-caliber shortstops, so a team leery about spending $300 million could easily turn its attention elsewhere.”"

An interesting note, and considering the supply, it is possible that the New York Mets may have bid against themselves this winter to retain Francisco Lindor, who signed a 10-year, $342 million deal before the 2021 season to stay in New York.

New York Post predicts Carlos Correa will sign with the Detroit Tigers

While Paul felt the supply would hurt Correa, Ken Davidoff of the New York Post mentions he feels Correa will ultimately top Lindor’s deal and predicts he will sign with the Detroit Tigers for 10 years and $350 million.

This deal would top Miguel Cabrera’s team-record contract by over $100 million.

Bleacher Report picks the Detroit Tigers as Correa’s next team

Bleacher Report, a national sports publication, also foresees a long-term deal with the Detroit Tigers for Correa that eclipses the $300 million mark. From the article:

"“The Tigers could use a major upgrade at shortstop after subpar performances from the trio of Harold Castro, Niko Goodrum and Zack Short in 2021. If Detroit wants to make the postseason for the first time since 2014, it would be wise to throw all its cash in Correa’s direction and make him the ninth player in MLB history to receive a $300 million contract.”"

MLB.com joins the Correa-to-Detroit wagon

In an article from MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince titled, “Here are 17 bold free agent predictions,” Carlos Correa signing with the Detroit Tigers is first on his list.

Castrovince likens Correa’s free agency to Manny Machado, who signed with a San Diego Padres team who had lost nearly 100 games the year prior.

Jon Heyman predicts the Tigers to sign Correa

In a shortened segment on MLB Network, Jon Heyman delivered his picks for the top free agents and where they would ultimately sign:

In the segment, Heyman essentially mentions Correa’s familiarity with manager AJ Hinch and how the Detroit Tigers have improved their club recently.

The fans’ anticipation seems to be meeting with the experts’ theories around free agency this winter. If, after all of the bread crumbs, the Detroit Tigers do land Carlos Correa, a single fanbase might break the internet.