Even though Correa’s stay in Minneapolis was short, the Twins believe Correa can make a difference.
Correa stated, “I want to create a championship culture within this organization.”
Former Houston Astros star tugged at a Twins’ No. The No. 4 jersey was officially introduced Wednesday, five day after the signing of a $105.3 million three-year contract with the Twins. It also includes an option to opt out after the second and third seasons.
The Twins have lost 18 consecutive postseason games, their last victory being in October 2004. Their most recent loss came in the 2020 wild card round, when Correa scored at Target Field to complete Houston’s sweep.
Correa, a World Series Champion, celebrated a win against Boston last fall by pointing at his wrist and looking into the home dugout. He then said “it’s my turn.”
“He lifts the confidence because that person has simply done it before,” Twins manager Rocco Balidelli stated.
It’s why small-market Minnesota signed such a unique deal. Correa’s average salary of $35.1 million is less than Mike Trout’s $36million with the Angels. This total is the same as the entire projected opening-day payrolls for Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland.
In a sport where tanking fuelled acrimony among players, the Twins’ financial commitment to their team a year after they finished last in the AL Central is remarkable. It was a 99-day stoppage of work.
“I called Jim Pohlad (Twins Chairman), as we were getting closer on Friday, immediate support,” Derek Falvey, president of baseball operations, stated. “It’s impossible to put it another way.”
Correa will be the highest-paid infielder in baseball this season, and he’ll have an opportunity to pursue more.
During the lockout, the 27-year old switched between Scott Boras and William Morris Endeavor. Correa stated Wednesday that Boras offered him a shorter deal that could bring him back on the market. They set their sights on a place where Correa could flourish.
At Target Field, they hit a bulls-eye. Correa has a career.413 hitting record and a 1.205 OPS from 15 games in Minnesota.
Boras stated, “When a player feels so comfortable in a ballpark we knew there was a match.”
Correa could opt out of his contract after 2022 and join a market for free agents that could also include Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, Tim Anderson, and Tim Anderson, shortstops for the White Sox. Correa is older than any of them.
He’s first hoping to make an impression in Minnesota. Correa was.279 last season with 26 homers and 92 RBIs. He also had an.851 OPS. Correa is a two-time All-Star and the 2015 AL Rookie Of The Year. He has a.849 OPS in 79 career playoff games.
Astros owner Jim Crane stated in a statement that Carlos is a special person because of his leadership, his character and his dedication to the community. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest Astros players.”
Correa joins a group that includes several AL Central title holder in 2019 and ’20 including Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano as well as Max Kepler, Jorge Polanco, and Jorge Polanco, who are both double-play partners. Correa and Buxton were drafted in 2012 and have been friends since high school.
Falvey stated that Carlos is going to “elevate it from his experiences” and add to the group.
Baldelli already sees it happening. Baldelli noticed Correa’s precise style of speaking in the clubhouse. This has led to conversations that Baldelli believes go beyond “surface level”.
Baldelli stated that his teammates are challenging him to think, react and do things in a different way than before. He sets that goal every day he shows up.
Correa said, “When we practice, we are searching for perfection.” We want to create a culture like that here.
Correa even began mentoring his replacement, top prospect Royce Lewis. Correa took Lewis’ No. 4, but paid him back with his No. 4 Hublot watch. Lewis was joined by Rod Carew, LaTroy Hawkins and Lewis to witness Correa’s press conference.
Correa stated, “I know I accidentally took his number.” “Royce, sorry.”
