The Cubs have stated their intent on “spending intelligently” this offseason and have been rumored to be in the hunt for one of the big free agent shortstops that are available.

MLB Insider Jon Morosi joined Cubs 360 this week and shared why he thinks one of those shortstops could be a logical fit for the Cubs. 

“I think for [Carlos Correa], signing with an iconic franchise that plays in one of the great sports institutions of our country like Wrigley Field, that’s a statement,” Morosi told Cole Wright and Cliff Floyd. “And to say this team that’s been out of the playoff picture for a few years, ‘we’re getting back there and I’m gonna help us get there.’ That narrative to me speaks to a lot of the Cubs fans.

“I think it’s what Correa wants — to be in the spotlight again. And I don’t see another team out there that needs him as much as the Cubs do and vice-versa.”

Correa, 28, signed a three-year, $105.3 million deal with the Twins ahead of the 2022 with an opt-out clause after each season. He opted out of the contract and hit the free agent market again this off season. The shortstop worked out with the Cubs at Wrigley Field ahead of the 2012 draft, but he was drafted first overall by the Astros and the Cubs drafted Albert Almora Jr. sixth.

Correa posted a 5.4 WAR season in 2022, per Baseball-Reference, slashing .291/.366/.467 with 22 home runs and 64 RBI in 136 games. Correa was the 2015 AL Rookie of the Year, has won a Gold Glove Award at shortstop (2021), the Platinum Glove in 2017 and been named to two All-Star teams (2017, 2021). He has accumulated a 39.5 WAR in 8 seasons, hitting .279 with 155 home runs, 553 RBI, an .836 OPS and a 129 OPS+, 29 points above league average.

“I think Carlos Correa loves them,” Morosi said. “He’s always had a special spot in his heart for the Chicago Cubs.”

Catch the full clip above and don’t miss Cubs 360 every week during the offseason.