Twins 2022 Position Analysis: Shortstop

[Nick Nelson]

In the beginning, there was nothing. Then, there was everything.

So goes the story of the shortstop position in Minnesota over the course of the past offseason. It was a barren void until the Twins stunningly filled it with one of the biggest superstars in the game. The definition of a game-changer.

Projected Starter: Carlos Correa
Likely Backup: Jorge Polanco
Depth: Gio Urshela, Nick Gordon
Prospects: Royce Lewis, Noah Miller

THE GOOD

Carlos Correa is an MVP-caliber stud in his prime and one of the best shortstops in baseball. Since debuting for the Astros at age 20 in 2015, he ranks third at the position in fWAR, with his 25.1 trailing only Francisco Lindor and Xander Bogaerts. 

Correa is a former Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Star who last year finished fifth in AL MVP voting, thanks to a .279/.366/.485 slash line to go along with 26 home runs, 92 RBIs, and 104 runs scored. He was the best player on a 95-win Astros team, and then added to his extensive postseason résumé by helping propel Houston to another World Series berth. At age 27, the former first overall draft pick has already appeared in 79 playoff games, with a customary .272/.344/.505 slash line.

He's the real deal: a two-way phenom who is legitimately elite on both offense and defense. Correa's work in the field was so impressive last year that he not only earned his first Gold Glove at shortstop, but was awarded a Platinum Glove as the best overall defender in the American League.

Assuming he's healthy and on top of his game, Correa will give the Twins a boost at short like they've never had before. He brings the defensive chops of Andrelton Simmons combined with the bat of a healthy and thriving Jorge Polanco. It's the best of both worlds. 

The only question is how long it will last. (And the answer is: probably not very.)

THE BAD

The Twins' problem, before acquiring Correa, was not that they lacked a starting shortstop. It was more that they lacked ANY shortstops, throughout the entire system basically. What once looked like an abundance of depth at the position evaporated over the years, as prospects switched positions or fizzled out. 

This issue will rear its head again quickly if Correa goes down for any period of time. Presumably one of Polanco or Gio Urshela would slide over – each started a couple-dozen games at short last year. 

I'd be interested to know which backup ranks ahead in preference. Urshela has much less overall experience at the position, but the Twins seem motivated to keep Polanco off short if they can help it. Utilityman Nick Gordon is an option to plug in, with the least disruption to the starting lineup, but I can't envision a scenario where Rocco Baldelli uses him there regularly over an extended period of time.

Backup talk aside, the biggest question at shortstop is beyond this year, due to the nature of Correa's contract. Barring something unforeseen, he'll opt out and return to free agency for a $300 million payday following the 2022 season. 

That wouldn't exactly bring the Twins back to square one, since they'll have a bunch of new spending flexibility and another year's worth of intel on their own prospects. One of those prospects in particular seems to hold the key to the future of the positon at this point.

No one really seems to believe Austin Martin will be a regular shortstop in the big leagues, but that possibility remains in play for Royce Lewis. Drafted first overall, five years after Correa, Lewis has played short almost exclusively in the minors, and that's where the Twins have been using him this spring. 

In the highlight below, we see both the natural ability that keeps Lewis in the SS conversation, as well as the rusty form and footwork of a player who's basically been sidelined for two straight years.

The Twins need to get a good long look at Lewis and assess where he's at. The presence of Correa this year will enable them to do just that, with Lewis billed for Triple-A. 

If he doesn't convince them he can stick, and Correa opts out after this season ... well, then the Twins pretty much are back to square one. 

THE BOTTOM LINE

I would say the Twins addressed their shortstop vacancy in the most impactful way imaginable, except ... it was unimaginable. The #1 free agent in a loaded class, Correa seemed completely out of their reach. Yet various circumstances – the lockout, the Josh Donaldson trade, and Correa's agent switch – came together and created an opportunity. Derek Falvey and Thad Levine jumped on it.

On both sides of the ball, Correa is capable of bringing a level of play at shortstop most Twins fans have never seen before. Strap in and enjoy the ride while it lasts. We can worry later about what comes next. 

Catch Up on the Rest of Our 2022 Previews:

• Position Analysis: Catcher
• Position Analysis: First Base
• Position Analysis: Second Base
• Position Analysis: Third Base

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[RJA]

We have a great shortstop--maybe the best--for one year.  If Lewis shows well at AAA, he will inherit the job.  If not, and if (when) Correa opts out, we will be back in the free agent or trade market.  I am just going to bask in the joy of having him for one year and worry about next year, next winter.  For doubleheaders or for a short term injury, Urshela can cover adequately.  If he suffers a significant injury--no, I am not even going there.

[The Mad King]

Hearing Correa talk over the last few days leaves a lot of hope that he could very well be back next season. Let's just not implode early the way they did last season

[Danchat]

It would be nice to get a backup SS like we had in Adrianza, since we don't have someone who'd be able to hold the position down if Correa got hurt. Urshela's not built for SS and Baldelli has shown an aversion to using Gordon there, and the prospects aren't ready and shouldn't be rushed. Maybe you move Urshela to SS and start Miranda at 3B, but that's pretty iffy.

For 2023 and beyond, the hope should be to have Lewis be the starting SS. Perhaps Palacios can be the backup SS/utility guy.

[miracleb]

I like everything that Danchat says above.  Palacios would already be Adrianza or Simmons.  Solid glove and weak bat.  "Seems" like there is still some potential there with his bat though.

[Whitey333]

Great article!!  Well thought out.  I wish Correa could also pitch lol.  Without some solid pitching I don't think we can contend.  Great signing for the twins albeit likely just a one year deal to mainly enhance Correas bargaining power next year.  

[mikelink45]

Let's hope Correa will want two years of our paychecks - the SS cupboard looks really bare.  None of us know what is going to happen with Lewis and the Yankees were so desperate for a SS when they had Urshela that they accepted Donaldson's entire contract to get Kiner-Falefa.  Let's nope next year we aren't looking back at that trade with any regret. 

Give Correa a lot of Minnesota nice, but more importantly have a winning club - he is not used to being on a losing team. 

[jmlease1]

Yeah, I have to think that Palacios falls into the "depth" category for this year? He could be an interesting utility option for the Twins going forward as they've done a nice job reviving his career.

There's no question, this is a big year for Lewis: if he gets in a healthy season and looks like he can both hit at an advanced level and stick at the toughest defensive position on the field (catcher is a closer second, IMHO) then that really put the Twins in a lot better shape for it to matter less what Correa does.

If Correa has a major injury then the team is in the same boat that a lot of teams are in if one of their best players goes down: in trouble and scrambling to fill. Gordon or Urshela can fill in for the short term, and Polanco could slide over if there were no other reasonable options...but it would be a huge loss. But that's the way it usually goes when stars go down: it's a huge loss. You simply can't expect the Twins to have someone ready to step in at every position and replace the production and ability. If they can do it at 3-4 positions then you're doing pretty well, right? Right now it looks like our best depth is at 2B, 3B, OF (I still believe in Larnach, and Martin is close to ready IMHO). If we lose an all-star at SS it's probably going to hurt us a lot. But that's the way it goes.

[Jerr]

We have him and I think all the posts re: "it's just for a year" are wrong. Let's enjoy that we really have a shortstop and a good one!

[ashbury]

Yay!  We have someone who can make major-league plays at SS!

[Rosterman]

Palacios will hopefully be depth. But, remember, he is NOT on the 40-man. Neither is Beckham. If the Twins need a shortstop it is Gordon, Palanco or Usi. If Lewis starts off hot, he could advance if Correa goes down with a notable injury for the two weeks or more.

 

Otherwise, the Twins system is a good 3-4 years from another hopeful arm, unless Wander Javier takes off!