Article: Trade Candidate: Kevin Correia

[Nick Nelson]

Download attachment: correia.jpg Many were frustrated when the Twins signed Kevin Correia to a multi-year contract in December of 2012.

 

It wasn't the price -- $10 million over two years is a fair rate for a No. 5 starter. It was the fact that, after a 99-loss season in which the rotation was terrible, their biggest offseason signing was a No. 5 starter.

 

To his credit, unlike so many free agents, Correia came as advertised, and maybe a little better. He's been completely healthy in his two seasons with the Twins and has posted a 4.40 ERA. While below average, that's not a terrible mark for the guy at the tail end of your rotation.

 

Of course, Correia hasn't really functioned as the fifth starter. He's been the one stable yet mediocre piece in a starting corps that has been baseball's worst over the past two seasons. He has given the Twins innings, but that's about where his value ends.

 

Or is it?

 

WHY TRADE HIM

 

Because, why not?

 

There's some talk that the Twins need to make room for prospects like Trevor May and Alex Meyer, but I doubt finding space will be a problem whether or not Correia's here. Nevertheless, the Twins are basically out of contention and while Correia might be marginally better than the alternative who would fill his spot, such as Yohan Pino or Kris Johnson or Logan Darnell, the Twins gain more from looking at anyone with a potential future in Minnesota at this point.

 

WHY KEEP HIM

 

Because it's possible that nobody else wants him. Correia has a 4.76 ERA this year at a time where the league average is around 4.00.

 

Teams at the top of their divisions will aim higher in searching for impact arms at the deadline. The type of club Correia might appeal to is one that is more on the fringe of the playoff picture and looking to simply add stability to the back end of its rotation without spending much.

 

WHO NEEDS HIM

 

It's tough to find competitive teams for whom Correia would provide a clear, meaningful upgrade.

 

The Yankees could use some pitching help but Correia is not a fit in that park. You could maybe look at the Indians, who have been juggling young arms with varying success. There are a couple teams in the National League that could have some interest.

 

But the bottom line is that the market will be thin, and it will be very much a "take what you can get" situation.

 

SUMMARY

 

If the Twins can receive anything of even modest value for the 33-year-old vet, they'd have to be pleased. I would expect nothing more than a low-upside mid-level prospect, but Terry Ryan has had a knack for fishing hidden gems out of other organizations in the past.

 

It will be interesting to see if he can find a buyer within the next week.

 

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