STUNNER: Carlos Correa Agrees to Terms with Minnesota Twins

[JD-TWINS]

1 hour ago, LA VIkes Fan said:

Disagree here. I think this makes it more likely they will deal Kepler. Going "all in" for this team means getting 3 things - (1) another #1 or #2 starter, (2) getting one more good to very good bullpen piece (Chafin or Fulmer come to mind), and (3) getting a big bat to hit #4 behind Arraez, Buxton and Correa. Gallo and Polanco are much more suited to hit #5 or #6 ahead or behind Miranda at the other and the LF or C at 7. Kepler fills none of those needs since he doesn't hit much but he can be a trade piece to accomplish need #1, he can be replaced by Gallo in RF, and LF can be filled internally by Larnach, Gordon, Kirilloff or Wallner. 

My wishful thinking scenario is the following:

- Trade Kepler, Enlow and either Larnach or Wallner plus a MiLB prospect to Miami for Lopez, Luzardo, or Rogers.

- Sign Chafin (or Fulmer) for 2 years. Move Maeda to the bullpen and sign him for another 2-3 years to deal with his contract structure that right now pays him a lot more as a starter than as a reliever. 

- Sign Trey Mancini or even our old friend Nelson Cruz to hit in the middle of the order. Wish there was someone better. 

2023 is now looking a lot brighter! 

 

Chafin - Hand - Fulmer……..sign two of these guys!!

If we can trade for the front end starter………pushes Maeda into the Pen & making it top flight Pen in baseball.

We may be able to still sign McCutchen! Need a RH bat with Garlick as only other viable option.

Can live with just the trade for starter & one reliever.

McCutchen & 2nd FA reliever is asking a lot!!

[by jiminy]

2 hours ago, James said:

I think the Giants and the Mets were concerned how the leg would hold up at the end of the deal, not as much when he's in his prime. 

The 6 years avoids that, and the vesting options give the team some security if his leg goes bad.  If something happens, he likely won't reach the vesting options.  

What's really cool about the vesting options is they don't just protect against the ankle, they protect against any injury. 

[nicksaviking]

11 minutes ago, KirbyDome89 said:

Sure, but it seems Correa was willing to do a shorter term deal, so why not best MN's AAV? That's what I don't get. You've protected yourself from the long term concerns and we know the luxury tax is an afterthought for NY. 

Why single out the Mets in particular then? No other team was willing to beat MN's AAV. Not now, nor with the initial offers.

I mean, the Mets were offering 26M per year, the first year of his deal with the Twins is 36M. That's a pretty significant jump.

[Brandon]

16 minutes ago, KnoblauchWasFramed said:

Good point.... which is something else that drives me crazy about the Twins.  We literally gave up the entire 2021 draft to get these guys, so why not go another step further and lock down Gray and Mahle for 3-4 years so that's one less issue for the Twins to worry about for half of the time Correa is here.  If they were good enough to give up those prospect for then they should be good enough to lock down too.   

We will possibly sign 1 and with the traded for pitcher and Ryan then Ober, Winder, SWR, Varland …. Rounding out next years rotation.

[Brandon]

One last thought, with the Mets in top tier of financial penalties for payroll the costa for an injury are significantly higher for the Mets then the Twins.  I doubt teams can get insurance to pay penalties on contracts too.

[Craig Arko]

32 minutes ago, Brandon said:

Here is a link to over 900 recipes for eating crow on Pinterest 

https://www.pinterest.com/kerrykuss/eating-crow/ 

Paul Simon sang a song about that…

[IA Bean Counter]

Lets be realistic here,  Correa and Boras is all about finding the most money they could get.   Correa is a total profession so I have no concerns he will have a bad attitude in future years.  Yes this didn't work out like he wanted,  and the Twins were a fallback option, but he fits in well with the Twins.  Lewis and Lee both become either fall back options of Correa's health doesn't hold up,  trade chips or moved to other positions.   It creates more flexibility for what the Twins want to achieve in the future.  This deal works well for all parties.   

[mnfireman]

51 minutes ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

I like living in my little town in North Carolina. I was raised here. My friends are here. My siblings and children and grandchildren are all in North Carolina or on the east coast. I enjoy visiting Chapel Hill and Oak Island several times every year. I enjoy North Carolina BBQ. I like the slow pace of a small southern town. It is my "First Choice " of where to live. But I'd move in a New York minute, and live anywhere in the US (even San Franscisco or New York City) for 13 spring, summer and fall months, when half of the time I would be traveling away from home anyway... for 350 million dollars. I'd spend a lot of that 350 million dollars on plane tickets, large comfortable vehicles and a chauffeur, and a large winter home at some Florida beach location, plus a huge farm in my North Carolina home county, where all my grandchildren and children and in-laws could gather frequently. Taking 350 million dollars does not change the fact that I still love living here in North Carolina.  I don't doubt that Correa actually did enjoy living in Minnesota. And now Correa and his family can enjoy Minnesota during the warm seasons and the winter if they wish, and enjoy all Minnesota has to offer, plus $200,000,000. This is truly "Minnesota nice". 

Maybe Correa will buy a house in Kirk Cousin's neighborhood and Kirk will introduce him to this neighbor.

https://www.fox9.com/news/vikings-fan-neighbor-makes-sure-kirk-cousins-driveway-stayed-clean-during-snowstorm

[Hosken Bombo Disco]

22 minutes ago, PseudoSABR said:

More details

 

This Tweet gives helpful context, thanks @PseudoSABR

I wonder if Hayes meant 502 PA in the furthest out years, and not 502 AB. I’m glad to see that that seventh year requires him to get to 575.

There was a time when 502 PA (110-120 games) meant you were missing a lot of time, not playing most of the time. And the additional team option on top of that, whatever it is, is good to know.

I’m thinking they structured the Correa deal to mean he will be here six years and not a day longer. Now hopefully Correa stays on the field most of that time. 

[PseudoSABR]

9 minutes ago, Hosken Bombo Disco said:

This Tweet gives helpful context, thanks @PseudoSABR

I wonder if Hayes meant 502 PA in the furthest out years, and not 502 AB. I’m glad to see that that seventh year requires him to get to 575.

There was a time when 502 PA (110-120 games) meant you were missing a lot of time, not playing most of the time. And the additional team option on top of that, whatever it is, is good to know.

I’m thinking they structured the Correa deal to mean he will be here six years and not a day longer. Now hopefully Correa stays on the field most of that time. 

I'm sure he meant PAs.  I also find reassuring that the vesting years are also team-options.

Edit: 

 

[KirbyDome89]

11 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Why single out the Mets in particular then? No other team was willing to beat MN's AAV. Not now, nor with the initial offers.

I mean, the Mets were offering 26M per year, the first year of his deal with the Twins is 36M. That's a pretty significant jump.

Because the Mets have zero fear of spending and they were engaged with Correa over a previous offer. Why would they not be the benchmark?

I'm not arguing that it isn't. I'm curious why a team that has no limitations wouldn't front load the deal and give themselves and out down the line if Correa was agreeable to such terms. 

[nicksaviking]

7 minutes ago, Hosken Bombo Disco said:

This Tweet gives helpful context, thanks @PseudoSABR

I wonder if Hayes meant 502 PA in the furthest out years, and not 502 AB. I’m glad to see that that seventh year requires him to get to 575.

There was a time when 502 PA (110-120 games) meant you were missing a lot of time, not playing most of the time. And the additional team option on top of that, whatever it is, is good to know.

I’m thinking they structured the Correa deal to mean he will be here six years and not a day longer. Now hopefully Correa stays on the field most of that time. 

I don't remember who had the original details, but I'm pretty sure it was 502 PA.

But I also saw that it's not only vesting options, but team options as well. So if Correa is still playing well but has a fluke injury keeping him from 502 PA, the ball's still in the Twins court.

Like most, I'm sure MLBTR is a go to refresh page for this kind of news. I don't like when they restructure the initial reports into an article removing the old links and minor updates once that article is ready to go up. Then I lose most of the sources like to the things I 'think' I remember reading above.

[PseudoSABR]

4 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Like most, I'm sure MLBTR is a go to refresh page for this kind of news. I don't like when they restructure the initial reports into an article removing the old links and minor updates once that article is ready to go up. Then I lose most of the sources like to the things I 'think' I remember reading above.

MLBTR does have some good original content; but reports like these don't need to be "articles"; I preferred when they were just aggregators of links and tweets, and not so much blocks of words.

[jmlease1]

16 minutes ago, PseudoSABR said:

I'm sure he meant PAs.  I also find reassuring that the vesting years are also team-options.

Edit: 

 

These are really good numbers for the Twins and the team options are excellent. Gives them a lot of flexibility to move on if needed, but also retain if the production is there. If Correa has an OPS+ of 140 or better and a bWAR of 4 or better, the Twins wouldn't want to let him go just because he only hit 540 plate appearances or something at age 34.

This structure works out very well for the Twins and Correa; he gets more money up front, the Twins get a lot of mitigation on the back end, but also are paying the bigger numbers during the likely most productive years.

Guess the Twins actually will spend what it costs to secure a premier free agent.

[Steve71]

I think all the posters parroting the "Pohlads are cheap" line, the "FO lowballed Correa, and knew it at the time they lowballed him", the general "Fire this FO", the "Correa wants to be in NYC for Dior stores", and the "Boras is just using the Twins to leverage the Mets and has no intention of doing a deal with the Twins" can now just shuffle off to the "Mea Culpa" thread.  Please close the door on the way out.

In all seriousness, this was a creative and excellent deal.  In a financial time where interest rates are climbing the higher, EARLY AAV terms are much more valuable to Correa than the original flat payments of equal contracts for each year in the future.

This is a handsome, valuable deal for Correa AND the Twins and should end this long ordeal as soon as he passes his physical today.

Finally, great to see the other Twins players reacting so favorably to the signing.  Not all FA's are loved and respected by their teammates.

[twinstalker]

3 hours ago, sun said:

Yahoo! Both Correa & the Twins are betting on themselves! It must be the new uniforms.

I'm still a little scared Correa thought he was signing with the Marlins.

[nicksaviking]

Re-reading the AP article, the vesting options AREN'T all at 502 PA, 502 is the final vesting year.

https://apnews.com/article/carlos-correa-twins-mets-giants-anke-physical-9bfbe5088907863eb3a604ae3cca6307

The first vesting year is at 575 PA, which is far from a given. This contradicts another source that used to be linked on MLBTR so it could be wrong. One of those sources also said the there were team options as well.

[James]

I am hoping this deal goes the full 10 years with Correa being a very productive team member.

Welcome back Carlos!

[SanoMustGo]

I am grilling some crow as I type this.  I assume the FO is not finished as you can never have enough pitching.  We now have some trade chips and fully expect more move(s).

[laloesch]

Now let's go out and trade for an ace!

[sun]

Correa has shown all of the qualities of being a great pro player and teammate. He's able to make the most difficult plays. I don't expect him to be the best hitter, but he'll be a team leader and an important part of the team chemistry. I doubt that he will get booed too much as he travels around & plays against every MLB team this year. But it is a new era for the Twins & the fans. I expect that some yahoo pitchers will try to hit him in the hands. For that it's important to remember that he'll try to be a warrior and will be taking the road that the Twins have now begun to pave right to the Hall of Fame.

He's not just a ball player receiving a huge amount of money. He's willing to settle down, raise his family and become a permanent part of the community. The Twins FO have learned a lesson from the past by deciding to treat Correa fairly and not let players like Rod Carew get away due to being mistreated. I'm proud of the Twins owner, FO and to be a Twins fan.  They and Correa have earned all my respect. Rome wasn't built in a day. I don't want to see the Twins give away the farm. Correa & the Twins need a team in order to be successful. This should give all of our players and all pros some proof that the Twins will treat them fairly. It's a new era, new uniforms and let's go Twins! Always be optimistic! A smile is always better than a frown! Thank you Carlos & the Twins for making the team relevant & giving us fans some hope & some of the best baseball talent to watch. 

[PseudoSABR]

Behind a paywall, but it would be great to have a summary/bullet points of the article.

 

[se7799]

4 hours ago, mikelink45 said:

Hurry up and get that physical done.   Let's move on.  It is an interesting signing.  (If only he could pitch too.)  

No ...but he can play shortstop.  How do you feel about this deal? Honestly asking. I know you were not interested in him for anything longer than one year contract.

[se7799]

Ok..I was on the golf course.  Wow!  I am happy as hell.  I do have to ask from the folks on here that wanted to move on from him or only do a one year contract at most.  Am I being over excited, or is this still a bad deal.  I honestly would like to hear your thoughts.  Thanks

 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

1 hour ago, Steve71 said:

I think all the posters parroting the "Pohlads are cheap" line, the "FO lowballed Correa, and knew it at the time they lowballed him", the general "Fire this FO", the "Correa wants to be in NYC for Dior stores", and the "Boras is just using the Twins to leverage the Mets and has no intention of doing a deal with the Twins" can now just shuffle off to the "Mea Culpa" thread.  Please close the door on the way out.

In all seriousness, this was a creative and excellent deal.  In a financial time where interest rates are climbing the higher, EARLY AAV terms are much more valuable to Correa than the original flat payments of equal contracts for each year in the future.

This is a handsome, valuable deal for Correa AND the Twins and should end this long ordeal as soon as he passes his physical today.

Finally, great to see the other Twins players reacting so favorably to the signing.  Not all FA's are loved and respected by their teammates.

[Nine of twelve]

1 hour ago, laloesch said:

Now let's go out and trade for an ace!

I'm optimistic--we'll trade a doomed prospect for one at the deadline.

[se7799]

5 minutes ago, Richie the Rally Goat said:

Well said!  Unfortunately they will move on to something else to complain about...that is what they do. Many fans on here seam to only parrot the negative and worst case scenario.  I feel sorry for those folks.  But hey we are all entitled to our opinions.

[D.C Twins]

Wow... this contract is dare I say..... perfect for us! Unbelievable (ly great)!

[Melissa]

This makes me so happy! Family already started exploring “shared season ticket” options! 

[FlyingFinn]

8 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

Lewis to the outfield. Lee to third. Miranda to DH or first. It's pretty easy to find space for them, imo. 

Martin, Buxton, Lewis would be a fast OF in 2024. Lee, Correa, Polanco/Arraez/Kiriloff  in the infield (or Miranda at 1B). Vazquez at C. Requires Martin, Lewis and Lee to keep developing but could be a real good lineup. More speed than we have now. Signing Correa sure leaves guys open to trades - our OF as Lewis and/or Martin may now end up there by 2024 and 2B as we have Polanco and Arraez with Julien about ready. 

I was against signing Correa to 10 years, $285 with no Twins opt out, but this I agree with.