Camp Storylines: Carlos Correa’s Health

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.