Nico Hoerner continues to establish himself as the starting shortstop of the Chicago Cubs. But back in 2012, the word around the league is that the team had their eyes set on Carlos Correa, by then just a prospect.
The Cubs thought Correa would slip to their laps at six instead of making a trade. Eventually, the Houston Astros took him first overall, and that was the end of the story.
Timing Wasn't Right
The Cubs tried to right that wrong by pursuing Correa in free agency. But him being one of the best shortstops in Major League Baseball, he wasn't going to waste his prime in a rebuilding team:
“(The Cubs) were interested, but it felt like they were in a rebuilding phase,” Correa said, per The Athletic. “I’ve always been on winning teams and I’ve always had winning seasons. Rebuilding phase isn’t something I want to be a part of. One of the main reasons I signed here is because I saw an opportunity to win the division and compete in the playoffs. Right now, we’re on July 4th and I don’t regret this decision one bit. It’s for sure the best decision I’ve made.”Correa Loves Wrigley
Correa has always had nothing but respect for the Cubs organization and fan base and even lauded their mythical ballpark, Wrigley Field when asked about potentially joining the team somewhere down the line:
“Wrigley is Wrigley and the Cubs are the Cubs — it’s a great organization with such a great fanbase,” the Puerto Rican said.He's Not Thinking About Leaving… Yet
But even though Correa knows the Cubs could make a run at him again, and despite how much he loves the ballpark, he's focused on finishing the season with the Twins:
“I’m honestly not even thinking about (free agency) right now,” Correa said. “It hasn’t crossed my mind. A lot of people have talked about the opt-outs and this and that. I still feel like I want to help this team achieve that ultimate goal and still feel like I’ve got a lot more to do this year. My season has only been improving every month. I plan to keep doing that and stay focused on this group of guys.”A Lot Needs To Change
But even assuming Correa decides to opt out as predicted, and even if the Cubs wind up making a move at him again, why could they offer him besides money?
Correa can get a big payday somewhere else while still having an opportunity to compete at the highest level. The Cubs won't be ready to contend for at least three or four years.
So, there will always be rumors and everything, but it just doesn't seem likely at this point.
]]>The Inquisitr
