MLB Rumors: Where Will Carlos Correa, Dansby Swanson Sign? Giants, Cubs, Cardinals Interested

Now that Aaron Judge, Trea Turner and Xander Bogaerts have all signed contracts, only a handful of All-Star hitters are left in MLB free agency. Carlos Correa and Dansby Swanson are the best position players available, potentially seeking even more money after seeing the kind of deals that were handed out at the Winter Meetings.

The New York Yankees gave Judge a record $360 million free-agent contract. Turner received an 11-year, $300 million deal from the Philadelphia Phillies. Bogaerts reportedly got his own 11-year contract worth $280 from the San Diego Padres.

What does that mean for Correa and Swanson?

The list of teams that are willing to give Correa a contract that is commensurate with those signed by other top shortstops has narrowed. The Yankees, Phillies and Padres are no longer realistic destinations for Correa.

The Los Angeles Dodgers were viewed as a logical destination for Correa in the event that Turner didn't stay in L.A. According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the Dodgers aren't pursuing Correa, partially because the fan base might not accept such a move. Correa was one of the best players for the Houston Astros when they illegally stole signs to beat the Dodgers in the 2017 World Series.

That leaves the San Francisco Giants as the most likely destination for Correa. San Francisco planned to leave the Winter Meetings with a newly signed superstar, reportedly offering Judge at least $360 million. San Francisco has reportedly been in contract with Correa and could take much of the money that it would've paid Judge and give it to the former Astro.

The Giants are looking to spend big in free agency and return to the playoffs. The Dodgers are coming off a franchise-best 111-win season. The Padres are even better after reaching the NLCS. San Francisco's chances of competing with either Los Angeles or San Diego in the division won't be high if the team doesn't make a big splash this offseason.

The Minnesota Twins are still in play for Correa. The shortstop signed a short-term deal with the Twins last offseason. Correa hit .291/.366/.467 with 21 home runs and a 5.4 WAR in 136 games during the 2022 season.

The Chicago Cubs are in the market for a shortstop, and they are a potential destination for Correa. The latest rumors indicate that the Cubs probably won't meet Correa's lofty asking price. Swanson will command less money than Correa and Chicago views him as the more realistic option, according to Rosenthal.

The St. Louis Cardinals are interested in Swanson, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi. The Cardinals have already signed catcher Willson Contreras to a reported five-year, $87.5 million contract.

It's possible that Swanson will return to the Atlanta Braves. Maybe the Boston Red Sox will pursue Swanson, now that Bogaerts will no longer be part of their infield.

Swanson made his first All-Star team and won his first Gold Glove in 2022. The 28-year-old hit .277/.329/.447 with 25 home runs in 2022. Swanson hit a career-high 27 home runs as part of Atlanta's championship team in 2021.

Over the last three seasons, Swanson has played all but two games.