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Everything was going great for Carlos Correa during the first half of the 2024 season. He had recovered from the plantar fasciitis that plagued him during the previous year, and hit .308/.377/.520 with 16 doubles and 13 home runs. Correa was named to the AL All-Star team for the first time in a Twins uniform, and he'd helped the Twins fight back from a disastrous start to the season to put the team into playoff contention. It might have been the high point of his Twins' tenure--and then, that blasted foot thing happened again.
The Twins placed Correa on the injured list coming out of the All-Star break for treatment of plantar fasciitis in his right foot, the opposite of the one that flared up in 2023. At the time, it was seen as precautionary rest--the kind he didn’t get last season. The Twins and Correa spoke optimistically about him returning quickly to help the team in the second half. Unfortunately, the injury took longer than expected, including a new treatment that Correa called “painful to the point it would bring tears to my eyes.” After a two-month stint on the IL, he returned to the Twins, but he's clearly playing at something less than 100% health.
Over the last two seasons, age and his growing injury history have changed Correa’s long-term defensive outlook. He continues to provide value at shortstop, with an overall Outs Above Average rating and Arm Strength that each rank in the 80th percentile or higher. One of the reasons the Twins were willing to sign Correa to a lucrative long-term deal was because of the value he provides on both sides of the ball. Few guys can play one of baseball’s most demanding positions throughout their careers. It might be time for the Twins to start considering whether a position switch is in the best long-term interest of Correa and his health.
One of the most common positional switches for shortstops is to move to third base. Correa was willing to move to third base with the Mets, before New York backed out of their deal due to concerns over his injury-repaired ankle. The Twins could consider moving Correa to third, but that position might inflict of the same wear and tear, because of how baseball teams now position third basemen and what they ask of those players in terms of range. His plantar fasciitis may continue to flare up at the hot corner, and the club might need to consider other options.
Another potential option is to move Correa to first base, a position with demonstrably lighter defensive responsibilities. Minnesota has seen firsthand how valuable first base defense can be this year, with Carlos Santana expected to win the AL Gold Glove. An argument can be made that the Twins should bring back Santana next season, because of what he has provided to the club. However, the Twins have shown a propensity to add veteran position players for one year and let them walk for the following season (e.g., Michael A. Taylor, Donovan Solano, and Gio Urshela). Given that the team also faces severe financial constraints this winter, first figures to be open.
It seems unlikely Correa would want to move to first base, but it might be in the best long-term interest of his health. Hall of Fame shortstop Ernie Banks extended his career and ensured his own longevity with a mid-career move to first base. Correa, a student of the game well aware of the unforgiving aging curve of the modern game, might find that example instructive.
So, who would be the replacement for Correa at shortstop? Brooks Lee is the natural choice, since he has primarily played shortstop throughout his collegiate and professional career. His defense at shortstop is worse than Correa's, but he is younger and has a high baseball IQ. Fielding Run Value and Outs Above Average currently peg him as roughly average there, but the sample is tiny. He has shown some flaws at the position, and his defensive shortcomings might be more evident over a 162-game season. On the other hand, he's looked great going to his right, and made some impressive plays.
The Twins have Correa under team control for at least four more seasons, and a defensive switch has to be on the table at some point. If his feet keep bothering him, Correa must be open to moving to a less demanding defensive position. The Twins have a viable alternative to him, si next spring could be the right time for that shift.
Do the Twins need to consider a switch with Correa for next season? Leave a comment and start the discussion.
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