Carlos Correa‘s deal with the New York Mets appears to be in jeopardy as tempers flare in talks.
About a month ago, both sides reportedly agreed 12-year $315 million contract just weeks ago after the $350 million deal with San Fransisco Giants fell apart.
However, the Mets found the same issues the Giants did in the physical, which relates to a right fibula that Correa suffered back in 2014.
That has caused the deal to stall and the Mets are reportedly looking for language in the contract that will protect him in case an injury forces him to miss a significant amount of time.
However, MLB Insider Andy Martino reports that the ball club has become “very frustrated” and could possibly walk away.
Other teams have been in contact with Correa.
However, there is still a “strong chance” that both sides reach a deal, according to Martino.
But things could get interesting if the Mets decide back out, which might be difficult to do entirely.
This is because team owner Steve Cohen spoke about the pending agreement deal publicly, meaning an arbitrator could side with Correa.
It’s unclear what kind of trouble the Mets will be in if it can’t finalize a deal with Correa.
In 2022, Correa slashed .291/.366/.467 (batting average, on-base percentage and slugging).
Should the deal happen, Correa would likely be penciled in as the Mets’ everyday third baseman.
But if it doesn’t work out, expect the Mets to be in big for Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani next year, who is eligible for free agency.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Ohtani is “poised” to become the first-ever $500 million player in the MLB.
Cohen has shown that he’s not afraid to spend money if he believes it will help the team win.
Currently, the Mets’ payroll ranks at the top of the league at about $298 million, according to Spotrac.
The next closest team is the New York Yankees, which have more than $230 million allocated towards its players.
