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Carlos Correa improved his average to .333 in offseason physicals this week when Minnesota Twins doctors released him to end his six-year, $200 million contract with the club.
According to the Jon Heyman of the New York Postwho first reported that Correa passed his physical, the Twins will officially announce the shortstop’s new contract sometime Wednesday.
Although Correa technically did not fail his team physicals with the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants, concerns about his surgically repaired leg prompted both clubs to back out of nine-figure deals with the two-time All-Star. .
The Mets were reportedly interested in reaching a compromise with Correa, who ultimately decided to return to Minnesota.
Carlos Correa improved his average to .333 in offseason physicals this week when Minnesota Twins doctors released him to end his six-year, $200 million contract.
ESPN was the first to report Correa’s Minnesota deal, which could be worth as much as $270 million due to an acquisition option tied to certain benchmarks.
According to ESPN, Correa’s concession option becomes official and would add four years to the agreement, if he can pass a medical examination starting Tuesday and ending on Wednesday. The shortstop underwent surgery in 2014 to repair a fractured right fibula and ligament damage. The Mets and Giants were reportedly concerned about how Correa’s leg would age, leading both clubs to back out of their respective deals.
Correa played for Minnesota last season but declined a $35.1 million player option on his contract to test the free agency market this winter.
Twins spokespersons did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com’s request for confirmation.
Tuesday in the morning, jon hayman first reported that the Twins’ talks with Correa were “gaining steam,” which may have surprised Mets fans, who believed their team was still working to finalize his 12-year, $315 million deal. with the two-time All-Star.
A similar issue ended his 13-year, $350 million contract with the Giants, who abruptly canceled a Dec. 20 news conference with their new shortstop when doctors noted the results of his physical in San Francisco.
SNY Insider Andy Martino reported last week that the Mets became “very frustrated” during the negotiations and may have considered leaving the negotiations.
A team source quoted by SNY claimed that New York was “considering leaving completely.” Although another source mentioned that there is a “great possibility” that an agreement will be reached despite the current difficulties.
Other teams have also expressed interest in the two-time All-Star, according to Heyman, but it looks like he’ll stay in Minneapolis.
Correa’s $200 million deal would be the biggest in club history, surpassing local hero Joe Mauer’s eight-year, $184 million contract extension from 2010.
Minnesota seemed ready to hand over the shortstop job to highly touted prospect Royce Lewis, who is coming off a torn ACL in 2022. He’s likely out until at least June, but there doesn’t seem to be any urgency on that front now. . that Correa returns.
Correa signed a three-year contract with the Twins before the 2022 campaign, only to cancel his contract after the season. Since then, two deals have fallen apart over injury concerns.
Minnesota seemed ready to hand over the shortstop job to highly touted prospect Royce Lewis (pictured), who is coming off an ACL tear in 2022. He’s likely out until at least June, but there doesn’t appear to be any more. urgency on that front now that leash returns
The good news for the Mets is that Correa’s release significantly reduces their payroll for 2022.
Billionaire owner Steve Cohen was prepared to spend close to $500 million on player salaries and luxury taxes. Now, without Correa on the books by 2023, that figure will be closer to $444 million, according to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman.
Of course, that’s little comfort to Mets fans, many of whom expected to see Correa move to third base alongside All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor.
Some fans took solace in predicting that Los Angeles Angels two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani will sign in Queens next offseason.
Meanwhile, New York Yankees fans were mocked by their National League rivals from across town, who briefly thought they had stolen the city’s attention from Aaron Judge and his decision to return to the Bronx in free agency.
“I’m old enough to remember when Mets signing Carlos Correa ‘outshone’ Aaron Judge by staying home,” read a tweet from documentary filmmaker Randy Wilkins.
Newsday’s Laura Albanese joked that she ‘can’t’ wait for Correa’s video tribute at Citi [Field]’, poking fun at his 0-game tenure with the Mets.
Some fans took solace in predicting that Los Angeles Angels two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani will sign in Queens next offseason.
Newsday’s Laura Albanese joked that she ‘can’t’ wait for Correa’s video tribute at Citi [Field]’, mocking his 0-game tenure with the Mets
The Twins have not been silent this offseason, adding former Yankees outfielder Joey Gallo and veteran Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vasquez.
The team is also hoping to get a full season out of center fielder Byron Buxton, a 29-year-old who hit 28 home runs in just 92 games in 2022.
Meanwhile, the Mets now have an opening at third base, where Correa had been scored along with Lindor. Veteran infielder Eduardo Escobar is still under contract, but his on-base percentage dipped below .300 last season, taking much of his value with it.
Another option is up-and-coming Brett Baty, 23, who hit two home runs in 38 at-bats last season.
New York also has 21-year-old shortstop Ronny Mauricio, who could possibly be moved to third base.
Meanwhile, the Mets now have an opening at third base, where Correa had been scored along with Lindor. Veteran infielder Eduardo Escobar is still under contract, but his on-base percentage dipped below .300 last season, taking much of his value with it. Another option is up-and-coming Brett Baty, 23, who hit two home runs in 38 at-bats last season. New York also has 21-year-old shortstop Ronny Mauricio, who could possibly be moved to third base.