Camp Storylines: Carlos Correa’s Health

[Cody Christie]

Carlos Correa’s contract accounts for over 25% of the team’s overall payroll, meaning the Twins need him to perform like a superstar. He had a typical offseason for the first time in years, so how is his overall health entering the 2024 campaign?

Image courtesy of William Parmeter

Last winter, Carlos Correa’s health was the talk of the offseason after two mega deals fell through because of questions about the long-term durability of his surgically repaired ankle. Correa wasn’t searching for a new team this winter, and it allowed him to refocus on his overall health and offensive approach. It’s essential for him to bounce back after a disastrous 2023 that saw him post the worst offensive totals of his career.

Correa got off to a slow start during the 2023 season by hitting .193/.272/.378 (.649) with 33 strikeouts in the team's first 35 games. In mid-May, he was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, which impacted him on both sides of the ball throughout the regular season. He set the team record for most double plays as he continued to play through the injury while Minnesota fought for a playoff spot. The Twins put him on the injured list in mid-September to help him rest for the playoffs, and he seemed to return to the Correa that the Twins signed to the largest contract in franchise history. 

In October, Correa went 9-for-22 in the team’s two playoff series with three doubles and four RBI. His defensive acumen helped to make multiple plays that won games for the Twins. He made a nearly impossible throw to the plate to nail a runner, helped orchestrate a critical pick-off play at second base, and ended one game in Houston with a tremendous dive and throw. It seemed like Correa was back to his old self, which gives hope for what he can mean to the team in 2024. 

“The playoffs showed him being a little healthier helps a lot,” Twins hitting coach David Popkins said. “A lot could have just been solved by that. Then also it helps to know ‘I don’t have to be 100% and I could still be the best player on the field.’ That’s what I think is a big takeaway. You can find a way to make it work and get it done even when you’re not at your full clip, which makes him even more dangerous when he is.”

His plantar fasciitis subsided in December, allowing Correa to work on different parts of his game. “I switched a couple of things with my lower body and my hands (in my swing),” Correa told reporters. “I’m feeling good. … I’m very excited for what’s to come this year. It’s a team that’s very young, but got enough experience last year for us to believe that we can do it against any team. I’m excited to get started.”

During the 2023 season, Correa had to make adjustments to his swing because of his plantar fasciitis injury. He had to lean forward on his toes to avoid putting weight on his heels. This overcompensation meant his chest was leaning over the plate and is likely one of the main reasons he couldn’t drive the ball and hit into so many double plays. 

Many projection systems have Correa returning to his previous form. ZiPS has him pegged for a 117 OPS+ and a 3.8 WAR after having a 94 OPS+ and a 1.4 WAR in 2023. Baseball-Reference projects him to hit .262/.342/.444 (.787) with 26 doubles and 20 home runs. For his career, he has a .820 OPS and has hit 20 home runs or more in six of his nine seasons. 

Correa turned 29 in September, so there is some question about how he will age as he enters his 30s. His repaired ankle that scared the Giants and Mets hasn’t been an issue yet, but there are no guarantees moving forward. His plantar fasciitis injury from last year seems to have improved, but some players have the issue reoccurring and have had to deal with it throughout their careers. Age impacts all players differently, and the Twins hope father time doesn’t come knocking early for arguably the most essential player in Minnesota’s lineup. 

Do you believe Correa is entirely healthy? How much do you expect his offensive numbers to improve in 2024? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion. 

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[Karbo]

CC is a very valuable piece of the Twins core,(along with Buxton and Lopez) and what they are trying to build. Now as they infuse more youth and talent into the team he also very important as a team leader. I am looking forward to this season as the next step towards another WS.

[weneedneshek]

Correa has too good of a track record for last year to be the new normal, his post-tear playoff performance also showed a lot of the improvement we were hoping for.

Of all the players who need to have bounce back years, I am most confident in him.

[strumdatjag]

We hear CC has a surgically repaired ankle - but which ankle?

We heard last year that CC had plantar fasciitis - but was it both feet, or one foot and if it was one foot - WHICH ONE? 

If someone here knows, that information could he helpful in determining whether he has a chronic problem with one foot or just two unrelated injuries. 

[Oldgoat_MN]

I absolutely believe in, and am counting on,  a return to exceptional for Correa.

His leadership and performance in the playoffs last year are the reasons he is worth the king's ransom the Twins are paying him.

[Craig Arko]

[Squirrel]

1 hour ago, strumdatjag said:

We hear CC has a surgically repaired ankle - but which ankle?

We heard last year that CC had plantar fasciitis - but was it both feet, or one foot and if it was one foot - WHICH ONE? 

If someone here knows, that information could he helpful in determining whether he has a chronic problem with one foot or just two unrelated injuries. 

Ankle - right

Plantar fasciitis - left

Google had all the answers … this time 🙂

[dberthia]

It doesn't matter what any of us think. The proof will be on (or off) the field. The Twins are historically reluctant to be fully forthcoming with injuries, so, like Buxton, let's hope for the best.

[PDX Twin]

54 minutes ago, Craig Arko said:

Given the theme of the article, I found it disconcerting that when I scrolled over the picture, Chrome popped up a caption saying "Unavailable."

[Rhyno006]

Quote

He set the team record for most double plays ...

That's a pretty high achievement considering Mauer likely still holds spots 2-10 on that list... 😉

All kidding aside, Correa is a guy whom I'd trust to get his body in order during the offseason so I'd like to think he's very healthy and looking forward to a much higher level of production at the start of this season. 

[Fatbat]

6 hours ago, strumdatjag said:

We hear CC has a surgically repaired ankle - but which ankle?

We heard last year that CC had plantar fasciitis - but was it both feet, or one foot and if it was one foot - WHICH ONE? 

If someone here knows, that information could he helpful in determining whether he has a chronic problem with one foot or just two unrelated injuries. 

He doesn’t have chronic issues. What has happened to him could happen to anyone and its all fixable. He is 100%healthy now and we should expect nothing less than his best season of his career being that he is 30yo (prime time) C4 should be All Star Gold glove and Mr. Playoffs 1200 OPS. Anything less based on his paycheck will be a disappointment.

[rv78]

Plantar fasciitis can be a chronic issue that reoccurs. There's no quarantee that his ankle will remain durable. The Giants and Mets didn't want to take the chance. Year 1 of the 6 year mega deal wasn't a win for the Twins. Years 2-6 are still TBD. If and only when he performs like a superstar will I get on the Correa Kool-Aid. I haven't seen it yet.

[Dean Sorenson]

Do we dare look forward to a healthy Correa AND Buxton? Man, that would be awesome!

[h2oface]

Good luck to DPCC. The last 2 seasons, he has had pitiful starts. Even worse for what they cost.