Minnesota Twins Welcome Back Carlos Correa as Free-Agent Shortstop Saga Wraps Up

The protracted free-agent saga of shortstop Carlos Correa has reached its conclusion. The World Series champion signed a six-year guaranteed contract with the Minnesota Twins, the MLB team announced on Wednesday.

According to the salary tracking website Spotrac, the deal is valued at $200 million. This marks the third time this offseason that the 28-year-old has agreed to a substantial deal with an MLB team.

“I’m happy to be here in Minnesota, I’m happy to be a Twin,” Correa told reporters. “We started something special last year, and there is more work to be done. We want to bring a championship back to this city. That’s what we’re going to work for from now on.”

Correa’s journey back to Minnesota comes after a season-long stint with the team. In December, he initially agreed to a 13-year, $350 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, according to Spotrac. However, concerns from his physical led to the deal’s collapse.

Shortly after, the New York Mets offered Correa a 12-year, $315 million contract, as per Spotrac. Unfortunately, this agreement also fell apart due to issues with his physical. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Mets expressed their regret: “We were unable to reach an agreement. We wish Carlos all the best.”

Previously, in March, Correa signed a three-year, $105.3 million deal with the Twins, opting out of the final two years in November. The Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico native showcased his skills last season, hitting .291 with 22 home runs and 64 RBIs in 136 games.

Before joining the Twins, Correa was the top overall pick in the 2012 draft for the Houston Astros, where he played for seven seasons. During his time with the Astros, he was named to two All-Star teams in 2017 and 2021, contributed to Houston’s first World Series title in 2017, and won his first Gold Glove in 2021.

Over his eight-season MLB career, the 28-year-old has maintained a .279 batting average, with 155 home runs and 553 RBIs.