MLB Rumors: Carlos Correa's contract drama back in play
Carlos Correa signed with three teams this offseason, only to have two of those deals reneged thanks to suspicious medicals. Correa's ankle appeared to be the holdup for both the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets, both of which signed the Scott Boras client to a $300 million+ deal.
So far this season, Correa hasn't looked like the same player. He's even been booed by Minnesota Twins fans. When asked by the media what he thought of said jeering, Correa fully understood why that was the case.
"I'd boo myself, too, with the amount of money I'm making if I'm playing like that and I'm in the stands. Obviously [the booing] is acceptable. It's part of the game, part of sports. Fans want production and fans want a team that's going to compete out there and win games. It's to be expected when you play poorly," Correa said.
The star shortstop had a bout with plantar fasciitis this week, and could be out for some time as a result. This isn't related to the old injury which cost Correa millions, however, as that was his right ankle. In this case, Correa's left foot is what will keep him out for the next few weeks.
In the end, every large contract has injury risks. It was surprising to see both the Giants and Mets contracts fall through, even with sufficient concerns. If anything Correa's poor play should be the biggest issue moving forward rather than a nagging foot muscle injury.
MLB Rumors: Braves fans are on Mike Soroka watch
The Atlanta Braves starting rotation could use some extended work, as Max Fried and Kyle Wright are out until mid-July, at the very earliest. While Charlie Morton, Spencer Strider and Bryce Elder have performed admirably, Atlanta needs more than that. Jared Shuster, a former first-round pick who was recently called up, had the best start of his brief MLB career his last time out, so the Braves are hopeful he can hold down a rotation spot for the time being as well.
That leaves just one more open slot, and Mike Soroka may be the man to fill it. Soroka is a former All-Star as recently as 2019, but a litany of injuries kept him sidelined the last few years. After a solid spring and his best start of the minor-league season to date in Gwinnett, though, perhaps a call-up is in order.
"Obviously, when you see a spot open you think, "That's me. It's my time,'" Soroka said, per The Athletic. "But I know at the end of the day it's about doing my job and letting that take care of itself. I know I have the support of the organization. They're giving me that time. I can't say if it's one more start or two or five. I think it's going to be pretty obvious when it's time. Today was good and even last week in Nashville was good after the home run in the first. The hope is that when I go up there I never look back."
Per Atlanta Braves insider Mark Bowman, Soroka's return could happen sooner rather than later.
"The Braves haven't said when Soroka might be added to Atlanta's rotation," Bowman said. "But he's now in play if needed."
The Braves have been cautious with Soroka, as they should be. But if there were ever a time to test that patience, it's now.
MLB Rumors: NY Mets unhappy with Marcus Stroman
While Chicago Cubs hurler Marcus Stroman claims that Wednesday night's win over the New York Mets wasn't a 'revenge game' against his former team, his reactions in the big moments suggest otherwise.
Stroman threw eight innings of two-run ball, leading to a 4-2 Chicago win. It was a rare high point of late for the Cubs, who are deciphering exactly whether they'll be buyers or sellers at the deadline.
"I really don't play into it too much, to be honest with you," Stroman said. "Younger me may have seen it as a revenge game."
Stroman may claim he meant nothing by his added enthusiasm, but the Mets sure noticed. One anonymous player wasn't happy postgame, and told the New York Post about it.
"What did we do to him?" the player told the Post. "Show some respect, be a professional. It isn't all about you."
While said New York player was unhappy with Stroman's antics, there's only one solution to moments like these — next time, hit better. Stroman is having arguably the best season of his career so far, minus his rookie year in Toronto. He's pitching at an All-Star level and could very well be dealt at the trade deadline if the Cubs struggle.
Stroman, a potential free agent after the season should he decline his option, could have another former team soon. And he's not about hiding his emotions.
