Minnesota Twins still have chance at Carlos Correa

Carlos Correa is not supposed to be back with the Minnesota Twins. At least, that is the conventional wisdom after he opted out of his contract, with the expectation being that he will head elsewhere for more money and a better chance at a championship.

Yes, Correa has said all the right things. He mentioned how much he enjoyed his time in Minnesota and his appreciation for manager Rocco Baldelli. But one also has to imagine that Correa would not be saying anything negative prior to free agency so as to limit his possible market.

A chance for Carlos Correa reunion with Minnesota Twins

Those sentiments may be more than just pleasant words for public relations. There was a great deal of talk about Correa when the Twins revealed their new uniforms for the 2023 season. As Byron Buxton said, Correa “wants to be [t]here” and it is up to the Twins to make that happen.

Correa would fill a major gap in the lineup. He produced a .291/.366/.467 batting line in his 590 plate appearances, hitting 22 homers and 24 doubles, his production increasing as the Twins attempted to stay in the playoff hunt. Correa was solid defensively as well, living up to everything that the Twins had hoped for.

It is going to come down to his cost. The Twins’ largest contract in franchise history belongs to Joe Mauer, an eight year deal worth $184 million signed back in 2010. If they are going to keep Correa for 2023, and potentially beyond, the Twins will need to greatly exceed that deal.

As unlikely as it may be, there is a chance that this happens. The Twins have been in contact with Scott Boras about bringing Correa back. The players want him back on the roster. And, most importantly, Correa himself appears to genuinely want to return. Maybe, just maybe, that can happen.

Carlos Correa was expected to bolt from the Minnesota Twins for a much larger contract elsewhere. Instead, there is a chance he sticks around.