Star free agent Correa hires Boras as agent
Even in the midst of a lockout, star free-agent shortstop Carlos Correa is taking steps toward securing the record contract he's long wanted.
Correa hired Scott Boras as his agent, he told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Tuesday.
"I have made the decision to hire Boras Corporation to represent me moving forward," the 27-year-old said in a statement to ESPN. "Boras Corporation offers the highest level of baseball expertise and proven experience."
I followed up and asked Correa why he chose to change representation during the lockout. He said he preferred not to answer any questions and referred to his statement.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 19, 2022
Boras is one of the most powerful agents in sports and has negotiated record contracts for some of baseball's biggest modern superstars. In the weeks leading up to the lockout, his clients signed deals worth over $600 million combined, including Corey Seager's 10-year, $325-million contract with the Texas Rangers and Max Scherzer's three-year, $130-million agreement with the New York Mets.
Correa became a free agent after one of the best seasons of his career with the Houston Astros. He slashed .279/.366/.485 with 26 homers and 92 RBIs for the AL champions, taking home his first career Gold Glove and Platinum Glove awards in the process.
His negotiations with Houston stalled before the 2021 season, and he reportedly rejected the team's five-year, $160-million offer following the World Series. He's apparently trying to break Francisco Lindor's record $341-million contract for a shortstop.
The Chicago Cubs reportedly had serious interest in Correa prior to the lockout but were hesitant about giving him a 10-year deal. Correa's believed to have rejected the Detroit Tigers' 10-year, $275-million offer. Detroit eventually signed Javier Baez.
Correa was previously represented by WME Sports' Jon Rosen. The agency's certification with the MLB players' association is apparently in jeopardy after parent company Endeavor purchased 10 minor-league teams, according to Evan Drellich of The Athletic.