Carlos Correa Reflects Positively on Missing Out on $300 Million Contract
Carlos Correa is finding contentment with the Minnesota Twins, despite having missed out on a significant $300 million contract as a free agent in 2022.
Two offseasons ago, the 29-year-old shortstop was in talks for contracts exceeding $300 million with the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets. Instead, he signed a six-year, $200 million deal with the Twins, which includes four additional years of vesting options.
Concerns over a past ankle injury had deterred teams from signing him during the 2022-23 offseason. However, Correa is now performing exceptionally well, batting .305 with 11 home runs and an OPS of .833, indicating this could be his best season in Minnesota yet.
“This is the best thing that could have happened to me and my family,” the three-time All-Star told USA Today. “I don’t know what the other places would have been like, but this is a great place with a great family environment and great people all around that care about you. These are the people that I feel comfortable with, that I’ve grown to love.”
Correa also mentioned that it would be easier for him to retire if the Twins couldn’t guarantee the remaining money on his contract, allowing him to potentially retire sooner than planned.
“You know, the six years and the options seem a lot better than 13 years with the kids growing up so fast and requiring so much attention,” Correa explained. “At some point, I’ve got to make the tough decision of, ‘Do I want to keep doing this, or do I want to be with my family?’ So, it’s a lot easier with the structure of the contract than it was with a 13- or 12-year contract. This is definitely the best thing that could happen to me and my family,” he continued.
Correa’s views on his MLB future remain consistent with his previous comments made during spring training earlier this year.
“I’m a simple guy. I’m a chill guy,” he told The New York Post in March. “I don’t hold grudges. It’s just the nature of the sport. It’s the nature of the business. You have to move on. You can’t let that consume you. I’ve got two kids now, and I’ve got to set a good example. I’m very happy with the life that God has given me so far and where he’s put me.”
Correa, who welcomed his second child in March 2023 with his wife, former Miss Texas Danielle Rodriguez, was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft by the Astros. Together, they have two children. Correa was previously the AL Rookie of the Year in 2015 and won a World Series with Houston in 2017.
