MLB agent Scott Boras said that Giants Chair Greg Johnson “helped drive negotiations” in signing SS Carlos Correa, who will be officially introduced today, according to Susan Slusser of the S.F. CHRONICLE. Boras said Johnson was “very important to this process.” He added, “He gave clear insight as to the S.F. ownership design and commitment. He was really instrumental, as Carlos was impacted by his statements.” Boras said Johnson was on the phone with him “multiple times and pushing the process and this won the day for S.F.” Slusser noted the Giants beat out the Mets “free-spending” owner Steve Cohen, who came on strong, but Johnson and President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi “already had laid the groundwork well enough to hold off” the Mets' late bid. The Giants “had to go big after failing” to get Yankees RF Aaron Judge. With the Giants’ attendance “still down” even after a 107-win season in 2021, the team “needed to add a high-profile player, and the ownership group was clearly willing to shell out for Judge and then, with Judge off the board, for Correa.” Where things “might get interesting, now that Johnson appears as if he can help move the needle on deals,” is next offseason, when Angels P/DH Shohei Ohtani “is expected to be on the open market" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 12/19).
Giants Chair Greg Johnson was very important in the Carlos Correa signing processJay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
