Two Years In: Do the Twins Regret Signing Carlos Correa?

[Cody Christie]

Two years ago, the Twins signed Carlos Correa to the largest contract in franchise history. Does the front office have any regrets about this massive deal? The answer is more complicated than it seems.

Image courtesy of Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

When the Minnesota Twins signed Carlos Correa to a six-year, $200 million contract before the 2023 season, it marked the largest free-agent deal in franchise history. For a team in a mid-market like Minnesota, making such a significant commitment was a bold statement of intent. Now, two years into the deal, it's fair to ask: does the front office have any regrets?

The Market for Shortstops
To evaluate Correa’s contract, it helps to compare it to recent deals signed by similar players. This winter, Willy Adames agreed to a seven-year, $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. Adames is one year younger than Correa, but his offensive and defensive profile fall short of Correa’s overall value. Adames has averaged a 108 OPS+ over the last three seasons, while Correa has a 124 OPS+ during that same period.

From this perspective, Correa’s deal looks better than ever. The Twins secured a player with a proven track record of postseason success, leadership qualities, and a balanced skill set at a premium position. Correa has a guaranteed $104.7 million remaining on the final four years of his deal. Even as contracts across MLB continue to escalate, Correa's $33.3 million average annual value (AAV) remains reasonable for a player of his caliber. 

Trade Rumors and Scott Boras’s Reassurances
Despite the contract’s apparent value, trade rumors have swirled around Correa this winter. With Minnesota looking to trim payroll after a disappointing 2024 season, moving Correa’s $33.3 million AAV would create significant financial flexibility. However, such a trade is easier said than done. Correa’s full no-trade clause gives him complete control over his destination, and his agent, Scott Boras, has publicly stated that Correa is happy in Minnesota.

“The last time I talked to him, he told me the fishing was good,” Boras told reporters during the Winter Meetings. “So, yeah, he’s happy there.” 

This loyalty is a double-edged sword. While it reinforces Correa’s dedication to the organization, it also complicates trade negotiations. If Correa were to waive his no-trade clause, it would likely require assurances that he’d land in a situation he views as favorable. That’s also assuming the Twins could find a partner willing to take on the remaining four years of his deal. It still seems more likely than not that Correa will remain in a Twins uniform for Opening Day 2025.

The Optics of a Trade
Trading Correa so soon after signing him would raise significant questions about the team’s ability to attract future free agents. A move like this could signal to top-tier players that Minnesota isn’t a stable long-term destination, making it harder for the Twins to secure premium talent in upcoming offseasons. Minnesota signed Josh Donaldson to a significant contract and traded him with multiple years remaining on the deal. The franchise already faces challenges competing with larger markets, and dealing Correa could exacerbate those issues.

The Twins have also positioned Correa as the face of the franchise. His on and off the field leadership has been praised, and he’s served as a mentor for the team’s younger players. Removing that presence could create a leadership void that would be difficult to fill.

The Case for Keeping Correa
While Correa’s performance has had its ups and downs, his 2024 season offered a glimpse of why the Twins made such a substantial investment. He was the team’s MVP for the first half of the year, posting one of the best stretches of his career before a late-season injury derailed his momentum. If healthy, Correa remains a player capable of anchoring the lineup and delivering elite defense at shortstop.

Furthermore, with Adames’ contract setting a new market baseline, Correa’s deal no longer feels like an overpay. As the Twins navigate a tricky financial situation, keeping Correa may actually represent stability in a volatile landscape.

While there are legitimate reasons for the Twins to explore trading Correa, the complications surrounding such a move outweigh the potential benefits. His full no-trade clause, leadership value, and market-relative contract make him a key piece of Minnesota’s roster, and he’d be challenging to replace. Moreover, trading Correa could harm the Twins’ reputation in future free-agent negotiations, which would be a steep price to pay for immediate payroll relief.

For now, the Twins appear committed to their decision from two years ago. And while there may be moments of second-guessing, Correa remains a cornerstone of the team’s plans. He is a bet they hope will pay off in the coming years.

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Do the Twins regret the Correa signing? Leave a comment and start the discussion.

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[Jocko87]

[Jocko87]

Also, the “trade rumors” are completely a media creation. Stop it please. 

[High heat]

I’m sure the Pohlads could have put that 66 Million in there pockets the past 2 seasons! Instead of having to stand in the food shelf line just to get by.

[thelanges5]

Pohlads “right sizing” the payroll is the only reason that this is a topic. Normally owners stay the same or at least keep pace percentage wise from year to year. This team should have a $160-$180 million payroll. Just my 2 cents. Of course it’s not my money to spend. 

[tony&rodney]

The answer is maybe not.

[ashbury]

32 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

The answer is maybe not.

[Cory Engelhardt]

Easy answer no. Longer answer is also no 

[Gamblerssoftball]

1 hour ago, Jocko87 said:

Also, the “trade rumors” are completely a media creation. Stop it please. 

I believe this also. Carlos missed a lot of games last year due to continuing foot problems. Other teams know this and there's no proof that all of that is in the past. I hope it is, of course. Also, I think his presence on the team is necessary for any interested buyer of the team. He's part of a solid core.

[Jocko87]

18 minutes ago, Gamblerssoftball said:

I believe this also. Carlos missed a lot of games last year due to continuing foot problems. Other teams know this and there's no proof that all of that is in the past. I hope it is, of course. Also, I think his presence on the team is necessary for any interested buyer of the team. He's part of a solid core.

The last Gleeman and the Geek with Dan Hayes confirmed it. They described exactly how it happened and how Falvey was asked based on the circular reporting.  Of course Falvey had to give the politicians answer.

Now its Twins Daily gospel. 🤷‍♂️

[theBOMisthebomb]

He's fine in Minnesota, no regrets. Don't forget, he also played well in the 2023 playoffs for the Twins. 

[chpettit19]

1 hour ago, Jocko87 said:

The last Gleeman and the Geek with Dan Hayes confirmed it. They described exactly how it happened and how Falvey was asked based on the circular reporting.  Of course Falvey had to give the politicians answer.

Now its Twins Daily gospel. 🤷‍♂️

He didn't have to give that answer. He could have said "we're not trading Carlos Correa." There's no rules saying he can't say "people call on every player, but I tell them we're not trading any of our stars, including Carlos." 

Dipoto says "we're not trading from our rotation." Or "trading from our rotation is plan Z." And things like that all the time. The media says "team X is interested in pitcher Y from Seattle" and Dipoto again says "we're not trading from our rotation." 

Do I think Falvey is shopping Correa? No. Did he say that stuff only because he was asked a question? Yes. Is it likely Correa is traded? Only if they get a killer return. But Falvey shouldn't have given an answer that so easily lead to "the Twins are listening on Correa" headlines.

Falvey is yet another Twins representative that needs a PR seminar. Or 5. He didn't need to openly state they were slashing payroll last year and he didn't need to give that answer on Correa. "We get calls on everyone, every team does, but Correa is our shortstop and we have no plans to trade him. Next question."

[DocBauer]

No. They love what he brings to the team offensively and defensively, as well as leadership and "baseball intelligence". He had a great first season with the Twins when initially signed. He provided a boost at the end of 2023 when he was feeling better. He had one of the best 1st halves of a season in his career in 2024 before his other foot had issues, and then was one of the few bats that didn't fall asleep the last month of the season when he returned.

At this point, there's nothing to indicate his plantar issues will be chronic. I've had the issue and it was one of the worst things I've ever endured in my life. (Just 1 foot). And I've never had a re-occurance. Rest, therapy, and new shoes should have Correa and everyone optimistic he's past these issues. I know it's hard to say "never again", but I think optimism is warranted here.

His bat is as good as ever, and his defense is still excellent. And he brings a ton of intangibles including a certain cache from being such a major signing. 

Personally, I don't find anything wrong with Falvey's comments. Since day one..."coach/management speak" or not...he's always said he'd pick up the phone and listen to anyone calling about any player. To me that's just being open and honest. Now, you might argue it's TOO open and honest, but from Correa to Jenkins, you ALWAYS listen. Someone might just make a seemingly stupid, crazy offer that you'd have to consider. He's also been pretty open and honest about how much they like Correa and what he brings to the team.

This was all started by some NY writers offering up conjecture. That's what writers do, and are supposed to do. I think this is nothing about nothing.

[weitz41]

Man o Man..To be honest I have not read the article...The title is enough for me to want to respond...in just 2024 and only 86 games CC produced 3.7 WAR. This took a while and maybe I missed one but as far as I can tell in 2007 Jason Barlett in 140 games was the 1st SS to have more War (4.6) then CC. So, 17 years of Meh. Hell, yeah CC is worth every penny. ZERO regrets..

[RaoulDuke]

They should not want to move Correa he will be a building block to a playoff/ ws caliber roster for the foreseeable future and he is a unique asset in Twins history they normally do not have access too.  

That being said it depends on the ownership.  Correa as 25% of the payroll is pretty limiting if they are going to penny pinch, C4+Bux+Lopez is 50%+ of a 130 millon dollar payroll.  That isn't a winning roster unless  you get extremely lucky with rookies and over performance from cheap and/or young guys.

How fast can it be sold because it seems like the current group would sell him for the savings while a group that wants to win would supplement around him.

I hope the Suns guys make it quick!

 

[Jocko87]

2 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

He didn't have to give that answer. He could have said "we're not trading Carlos Correa." There's no rules saying he can't say "people call on every player, but I tell them we're not trading any of our stars, including Carlos." 

Dipoto says "we're not trading from our rotation." Or "trading from our rotation is plan Z." And things like that all the time. The media says "team X is interested in pitcher Y from Seattle" and Dipoto again says "we're not trading from our rotation." 

Do I think Falvey is shopping Correa? No. Did he say that stuff only because he was asked a question? Yes. Is it likely Correa is traded? Only if they get a killer return. But Falvey shouldn't have given an answer that so easily lead to "the Twins are listening on Correa" headlines.

Falvey is yet another Twins representative that needs a PR seminar. Or 5. He didn't need to openly state they were slashing payroll last year and he didn't need to give that answer on Correa. "We get calls on everyone, every team does, but Correa is our shortstop and we have no plans to trade him. Next question."

Weeeeelllllll, yes and no.

Should Falvey be attuned to the Minnesota moron level of media and sports sophistication by this time? Probably.  But I’d wager he is and doesn’t care. 

His answer was perfect in 49 states.  Nothing realistically different than what Dipoto said. 

We need the media to stop asking the when he stopped beating his wife type questions.  It’s high time Minnesota got onboard with an adult, winners mindset.  If the new owner rumor comes through, minds will be blown. 

[Doctor Gast]

It's very hard to know what's in the head of the Twins. They shouldn't regret a player who fell into their laps, who's the center of the core that stabilized the INF & who was the main reason we broke the curse of winless playoff games. Many players I think they wouldn't trade, they trade. Many players they shouldn't trade for, they trade for & become a main stay blocking more deserving players. Many players they shouldn't sign they sign & give them sweet deals. Most things the Twins do surprise me.

Somebody is feeding this kind of crap to the media, most likely it's the FO being creative. So maybe they do regret it or more likely they are getting really bad offers on their Fire Sale & Falvey is expanding it so he can have enough money to blow in FA, instead of economically investing it in our key players, who we'll end up losing.

[old nurse]

11 hours ago, Jocko87 said:

The last Gleeman and the Geek with Dan Hayes confirmed it. They described exactly how it happened and how Falvey was asked based on the circular reporting.  Of course Falvey had to give the politicians answer.

Now its Twins Daily gospel. 🤷‍♂️

It is the gospel of group think wrapped around a negative attitude 

[old nurse]

9 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

He didn't have to give that answer. He could have said "we're not trading Carlos Correa." There's no rules saying he can't say "people call on every player, but I tell them we're not trading any of our stars, including Carlos." 

Dipoto says "we're not trading from our rotation." Or "trading from our rotation is plan Z." And things like that all the time. The media says "team X is interested in pitcher Y from Seattle" and Dipoto again says "we're not trading from our rotation." 

Do I think Falvey is shopping Correa? No. Did he say that stuff only because he was asked a question? Yes. Is it likely Correa is traded? Only if they get a killer return. But Falvey shouldn't have given an answer that so easily lead to "the Twins are listening on Correa" headlines.

Falvey is yet another Twins representative that needs a PR seminar. Or 5. He didn't need to openly state they were slashing payroll last year and he didn't need to give that answer on Correa. "We get calls on everyone, every team does, but Correa is our shortstop and we have no plans to trade him. Next question."

Considering that there are reports that the Mariners are fielding offers on Castillo does Dipoto them come across as a liar thus hurting PR and should go to classes?

[Eris]

In the three years Correa has played for the Twins, he has led the team in fWAR. Buxton is second and Castro is third. Not sure why a Correa trade is being discussed. 

[IndianaTwin]

11 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

…Falvey is yet another Twins representative that needs a PR seminar. Or 5. He didn't need to openly state they were slashing payroll last year and he didn't need to give that answer on Correa. "We get calls on everyone, every team does, but Correa is our shortstop and we have no plans to trade him. Next question."

What would have been the reaction on TD (and elsewhere) if the FO didn’t give fans a heads-up last year about dropping the budget by $30 million and then did it anyway? I think the reaction would have been worse.

[CRF]

I don't know about them regretting signing CC, but I kind of regret having that 3rd helping of baked Ziti last night. 

[FlyingFinn]

11 hours ago, DocBauer said:

At this point, there's nothing to indicate his plantar issues will be chronic. I've had the issue and it was one of the worst things I've ever endured in my life. (Just 1 foot). And I've never had a re-occurance. Rest, therapy, and new shoes should have Correa and everyone optimistic he's past these issues. I know it's hard to say "never again", but I think optimism is warranted here.

Wow, happy to hear this. I sure thought his plantar issues were chronic and he was going to be much like Buxton going forward. Correa's health is the key to answer the question of whether the Twins regret the signing. I'm surprised he didn't get the shoe thing figured out after the first bout of plantar.

[LambchoP]

Correa is our best player all around, the heart and leader of this team. He's also the only true "star attraction" we have. Dealing him would be waiving the white flag and giving up on being a relevant team for years. 

[thelanges5]

Note to C4 💥 - just keep wearing the New Balance kicks. 
 

#saynotonike

[Vanimal46]

Maybe we should set just a little bit higher standard at TD to get an article published? Something that requires more than half a brain cell to determine that this is a ridiculous subject to discuss?

[Finlander]

"With Minnesota looking to trim payroll after a disappointing 2024 season..."

Hmm. Cutting payroll was a prime contributor to the disappointing 2024.

[Major League Ready]

Why would they be sorry about signing their best player?  If they had to trade good players to dump salary, I could understand the question but that's not happened.  

[chpettit19]

10 hours ago, Jocko87 said:

Weeeeelllllll, yes and no.

Should Falvey be attuned to the Minnesota moron level of media and sports sophistication by this time? Probably.  But I’d wager he is and doesn’t care. 

His answer was perfect in 49 states.  Nothing realistically different than what Dipoto said. 

We need the media to stop asking the when he stopped beating his wife type questions.  It’s high time Minnesota got onboard with an adult, winners mindset.  If the new owner rumor comes through, minds will be blown. 

Strong disagree. Teams are interested in Correa. Just like teams are interested in Seattle pitching. There will always be media rumors and it's the media's jobs to ask the questions. It's what they're paid to do. Falvey's answer was very different than Dipoto's. 

Falvey should care. Especially with his new promotion. DSP didn't care and it was a massive reason for the team's struggles to connect with the fan base. No matter what you think about the media and the questions they ask the fans care about the team and the answers they give. Falvey needs to care. He kicked off the firestorm of payroll blowback last year and he's kicked off the Correa trade concerns this year. He doesn't get to not care. His words matter. The Pohlads don't speak often (for good reason) so he's the top official we hear from. New owners aren't here yet. And there's nothing mind blowing guaranteed with them. In fact, they were smart enough to meet their fans where they were and put Suns games on over the air TV instead of telling their fans to just quit being morons. Continuing to lose customers because you demand they adapt to you instead of you adapting to them is not smart. 

[Jocko87]

1 minute ago, chpettit19 said:

Strong disagree. Teams are interested in Correa. Just like teams are interested in Seattle pitching. There will always be media rumors and it's the media's jobs to ask the questions. It's what they're paid to do. Falvey's answer was very different than Dipoto's. 

Falvey should care. Especially with his new promotion. DSP didn't care and it was a massive reason for the team's struggles to connect with the fan base. No matter what you think about the media and the questions they ask the fans care about the team and the answers they give. Falvey needs to care. He kicked off the firestorm of payroll blowback last year and he's kicked off the Correa trade concerns this year. He doesn't get to not care. His words matter. The Pohlads don't speak often (for good reason) so he's the top official we hear from. New owners aren't here yet. And there's nothing mind blowing guaranteed with them. In fact, they were smart enough to meet their fans where they were and put Suns games on over the air TV instead of telling their fans to just quit being morons. Continuing to lose customers because you demand they adapt to you instead of you adapting to them is not smart. 

He absolutely did not kick off Correa trade concerns this year.

One media member made up the scenario and others asked him about it. He is not in a position to say anything firmly with a sale over his head.

His answer was perfect in 49 states. And Puerto Rico.

His words don't matter when a dedicated group will only hear what they want to hear.