BREAKING: The Minnesota Twins have signed Carlos Correa to a 6-year/$200 million contract
It was reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan that the Minnesota Twins have signed Carlos Correa to a six-year/$200 million deal. YOU CAN BREATHE TWINS FANS, WE GOT OUR GUY.
The deal is not official, as we have to wait for the updated news on the physical. There is good news on that front, as Jon Heyman of the NY Post informed fans that nothing is stopping Correa from returning to Minnesota
Before this massive deal, the biggest contract in franchise history was Joe Mauer’s eight-year/$184 million contract.
The Pohlad’s aren’t known for spending money, despite being one of the top-10 richest owners in baseball. There are some concerns with his Correa’s long-term health (ankle), as two teams flagged his physical. However, a six-year deal leaves little risk for the Twins.
When the deal is done, Correa will be 34-to-35 years old. The biggest concern with him was giving him close to $30 million in year 10 when he was on the verge of 40. There’s still the possibility he’s with the Twins until 2033 because of the additional four years added on (vested).
Last season Correa and the Twins’ front office shocked the world when they agreed to a three-year deal in the middle of the night. No one expected him to opt back in for a second year, and it was unlikely he would re-sign to a new deal (at the time).
Although he didn’t have his usual season last year, Correa was still really good. He had some tough stretches, but he ended the season on a high note.
Last year he recorded a wins above replacement of 5.4 and a batting average of .291. He also hit 22 home runs, 64 RBIs and had an OPS+ of 140.
He also made some incredible plays defensively and was once again one of the best players on that side of the ball. He was a Gold Glove finalist, and when he was out of the lineup, the Twins’ defense sorely took a hit.
With Correa signing, the front office will likely turn to the trade market and make a move for a starting pitcher. We could see fan favorites Max Kepler, Luis Arraez and some household prospect names dealt in a deal.
Minnesota is going to have to do whatever it takes to build a contender. That’s what they signed up for when they landed a perennial MVP candidate. The clock starts now.
The good news is that with Correa locked up long-term, free agents are more likely to come to Minnesota. If the front office builds a competitive team, with a willingness to pay players, then these next six years could be really special.
Imagine how far this team could go with Byron Buxton and Correa leading the way. It appears Buxton is pretty excited about C4 returning to the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Minnesota locked up arguably the best shortstop in baseball. It’s a good time to be a Twins fan, but it’s time to get back out there and make some more moves.
