The Carlos Correa saga has been the most intriguing storyline of the winter. Arguably the most coveted free agent of the offseason has now agreed to not one but two 12+ year contracts with two different teams, only for both of them to have fallen through because of a failed physical. We are three weeks from when his deal with the Mets was announced, a 12-year pact worth $310 million. However, nobody knows what’s going to happen next.
Most recent reports suggest the two sides are growing frustrated with each other, and that the Mets may be willing to walk away from the deal altogether. All we really know now is this situation is a mess, and that Steve Cohen, while a fun owner with limitless pockets, should probably learn from his division rivals on how to keep things close to the vest.
In every sport, the free agency period is one of the most exciting times for fans. The hot stove, in particular, is among the most fun aspects of Major League Baseball. Rumors are constantly flying around, generating buzz from fan base to fan base. However, while it’s fantastic at piquing the interest of the fans, it’s not always beneficial to the organizations.
The Braves run arguably the most tight knit operation in Major League Baseball. There’s rarely a peep from MLB insiders before a move comes to light. Which may make my job more difficult, but there’s a reason the Braves run things the way they do, and Alex Anthopoulos commented on that recently in a piece from Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
“I know it can be frustrating for fans,’’ Anthopoulos told USA Today Sports. “They want to know who we’re talking to, who we’re trying to get. But in today’s day and age, you have leaks, and when you have distractions and interference, it makes it more complicated. If things get out, and they’re not finalized, then you’re bombarded with text messages, calls and e-mails.
“I just don’t see any upside. It doesn’t help anybody. There’s no benefit. It’s not conducive to doing your job. It just makes it so much easier to work when there are no leaks and having all of those distractions.’’
The situation with Carlos Correa isn’t anything new. Physicals are required for players before signing any contract, and he’s not the first player to fail. The difference is how public the scenario has been made, particularly after he agreed to a deal with the Mets.
“Look, I’m a huge sports fan myself,’’ Anthopoulos continues to tell Nightengale. “I’m a big Atlanta Hawks and Falcons fan. I love reading all of the rumors and gossip. As a kid growing up in Montreal, I’d go to the corner store on Sunday and get Peter Gammons’ notes column in the Boston Globe. I loved it.
“As a sports fan, it’s great. It just doesn’t help the Braves.’’
I’m not one of those people that believes Anthopoulos is infallible. He’s made several mistakes since taking over as general manager in Atlanta. With that being said, Anthopoulos has done much more good than he has bad, and he always does things the right way.
It’s difficult to find an organization that’s in a better spot than the Braves. They have their young core locked up for the foreseeable future. Their ownership has shown an increased willingness to spend, and they have the right guy in Alex Anthopoulos calling the shots. The Braves are a well oiled machine from top to bottom, and it would behoove teams like the Mets to learn from their division rivals.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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