NEW YORK -- Carlos Correa underwent a physical examination Thursday in New York City, according to his agent Scott Boras, in what should be Correa's final hurdle to clear before becoming a Met.
Boras, who was at Yankee Stadium for a press conference to introduce another of his clients, Carlos Rodón, said the Mets will likely require 24-48 hours to review the results of Correa’s exam. A Mets source said that the deal wouldn’t be done Thursday, but Boras expects the contract to become official before Christmas.
Although Boras said he was unaware of what specifically the Giants flagged in Correa’s initial physical, he does not anticipate the Mets balking in a similar manner.
“There is nothing with him that is currently any sort of medical issue,” Boras said.
Early Wednesday morning, the Mets agreed to terms with Correa on a 12-year, $315 million contract after the infielder’s original 13-year, $350 million pact with the Giants fell apart over medical concerns. At the time, Boras said, he was in San Francisco with Correa preparing to take part in an 11 a.m. PT press conference at Oracle Park.
Earlier that day, Giants officials had contacted Boras saying they needed more time to review Correa’s medical information. An hour before the press conference, the Giants reached back out to say they needed still more time. At that point, Boras advised both the Giants and Correa that he would need to re-engage with other teams if San Francisco was not prepared to move forward with their original letter of agreement.
In a statement the following day, Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi cited “a difference of opinion over the results of Carlos’ physical examination.” That difference of opinion, Boras said, did not involve him or anyone from his agency.
“I don’t know what the Giants were concerned about, because I never asked,” Boras said. “They just kept saying they needed additional time. … There is no medical issue with Carlos. There is none. And so it had to be something that they felt was historical.”
Assuming Correa’s agreement with the Mets does move forward without issue, Correa will shift from his natural position of shortstop to third base to accommodate new teammate, friend and countryman Francisco Lindor -- something his agent says he is happy to do.
“Carlos has been very open in all of our discussions with teams in meetings that he views third base as a favorable place to play,” Boras said. “He likes to hit, and he feels he can get a little bit stronger and seize that position. He really enjoys playing it. I know a lot of shortstops like to stay at that position. Carlos was very open to it and informed every team, ‘I’ll move to third now, or I’ll play shortstop for you in the short-term. However you determine you want to use me, I’m open to it.’”