Yankees Eye Carlos Correa as Potential Trade Target After Busy Offseason

The New York Yankees are coming off a bittersweet 2024 season, falling short in the World Series. General manager Brian Cashman has been hard at work reshaping the roster to take another shot at championship glory.

This offseason, the Yankees lost star outfielder Juan Soto in free agency but made significant moves to counter the loss. Additions like ace Max Fried, elite reliever Devin Williams, slugger Cody Bellinger, and reigning NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt have fortified the roster. Now, according to a bold prediction from Sportsnet’s David Singh, the Yankees could make another blockbuster move by trading for Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa.

The Case for Correa in Pinstripes

Singh envisions Correa donning the iconic Yankees uniform by midseason, writing:

“Carlos Correa will be traded to … the New York Yankees. The star shortstop will be fully healthy during the first half of the campaign, and that will lead the way to the Minnesota Twins dealing him to the Yankees, who’ll need infield help. The distaste Yankees fans have for Correa stemming from his time on the sign-stealing Houston Astros will be heard when the three-time all-star arrives in the Bronx. However, the boos will quickly disappear as Correa injects a dose of star power into the Yankees lineup.”

Correa’s addition would undoubtedly bolster New York’s lineup. Despite battling injuries in 2024, he showcased his ability to produce at an elite level, hitting .310 with 14 home runs and 54 RBIs in just 86 games. The Yankees’ infield could use a player of Correa’s caliber, especially with his combination of defense, leadership, and clutch postseason performances.

The Cost of a Superstar

Acquiring Correa would come at a steep price. He is in the third year of a six-year, $200 million contract with the Twins and has a no-trade clause. Any deal would require Correa’s approval and likely cost the Yankees a significant haul of prospects.

Minnesota has reportedly received inquiries about Correa this offseason. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale:

“Knowing the Twins’ financial situation — player payroll will remain around $130 million as the Pohlad family explores a sale — teams have inquired on Carlos Correa’s availability. Correa, who holds a no-trade clause, will make $36 million next year. There is no indication anything has advanced beyond a preliminary phone call.”

The Twins appear open to listening, especially if their financial constraints persist. However, Nightengale also noted the team’s optimism regarding Correa’s health heading into 2025.

Cashman’s Vision for a Championship Team

Brian Cashman’s offseason has been marked by aggressive moves, even in the wake of losing Soto. The Yankees’ GM emphasized his commitment to building a championship-caliber team, saying:

“My job is to find a way to make us as quality as we can year in and year out. We’ll vet every opportunity out there.”

Correa has been a thorn in the Yankees’ side during his career, particularly as a member of the Houston Astros. Bringing him to New York could help turn a former nemesis into a valuable asset in their quest to end a championship drought dating back to 2009.

A Critical 2025 Ahead

The Yankees’ offseason moves have positioned them as a top contender, but their pursuit of Correa would elevate expectations even further. Whether or not the trade materializes, Cashman’s efforts to bolster the roster demonstrate New York’s unrelenting pursuit of World Series glory.

Will Carlos Correa become the next Yankee star? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: The Bronx Bombers are all-in for 2025.