Before the season started, and after the lockout, the Minnesota Twins signed shortstop Carlos Correa to a three-year, $105.3 million contract.
The deal, however, had opt-out clauses after each year, allowing the talented infielder to re-enter the market if he considered he could get a better pact elsewhere.
At this point, whether or not Correa will be returning to Minnesota in 2023 remains a question mark.
The team collapsed in September and won’t be making the playoffs.
Correa had to battle some injuries, but has been excellent when healthy.
In 130 games and 565 plate appearances, he is slashing .287/.363/.463 with 21 home runs, 68 runs, and 61 RBI for the Twins.
He made some really interesting comments about his future in Minneapolis.
“I go to the Dior store. When I want something, I get it… I’m the product here. If they want my product, they’ve just got to come get it.” -Carlos Correa on a potential return to the Twins pic.twitter.com/XndJJeCUEq
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 29, 2022
He said that when he goes to the mall, to a store, and wants something, he just buys it.
Minnesota Could Potentially Need To Pay Correa More To Get Him To Stay
In the metaphor, he is the product: if the Twins really want him, they just want to pay him.
He appears to be implying that he would be willing to opt-out of the deal and re-negotiate another one to stay in Minnesota, but under different terms.
If he doesn’t like the market for him, he can just opt in and make $35.1 million in 2023.
However, with those stats and his usual defensive excellence, Correa could potentially find a team willing to give him more long-term security.
He could then use that hypothetical offer as leverage against the Twins, a team that will have a lot of money to spend over the offseason.
We will find out in the upcoming months if the Twins are able to retain the talented shortstop.
If they do, they will be well-positioned to succeed next year.
NEXT: The Twins Made Their Collapse Official Wednesday Night
