FORT MYERS FL. Carlos CorreaOn Monday morning, he met his Minnesota teammates and quickly made new friends.
Correa, who is the highest-paid infielder of baseball, entered the Twins clubhouse to introduce himself to nearly everyone two days after signing the deal.
The $105.3 million, three-year contract Correa signed for $35.1 million per year and includes opt outs after the second and third seasons. It is currently awaiting a physical, and will not be officially announced until Wednesday morning. Correa was able to make the rounds prior to the team bus leaving for an exhibition match against the Toronto Raptors. Baltimore OriolesSarasota, Florida:
“He’s a man you want on the team. The Twins reliever said, “Personally.” Tyler DuffeyCorrea in 2012 was drafted 159 times. He lives for the big moments and thrives on them. It’s been fun to see what he has done for Houston by being a major piece for the Astros.
Since Saturday morning’s announcement of Correa’s decision, the Twins have been buzzing with excitement. Correa, a two-time All-Star and 2015 American League Rookie Of The Year, batted.279 and had a.366 on-base% and a.485 slugging% with 26 home runs and RBI in 640 plate appearances for Houston last season.
Twins players were upbeat over the last three days, regardless of whether it was shock that Correa picked the Twins or debates over selling the jersey numbers to the guy on the team with the highest contract, or realizing that the move signals the team’s intent for competition.
Correa’s deal comes after three roster-altering deals made by the Twins over the weekend. They traded the third baseman Josh DonaldsonCatchers Mitch GarverAnd Ben Rortvedt, and 2021 first-round pick Chase Petty in three separate deals that fetched catcher Gary Sánchez, infielder Gio UrshelaStarter pitcher Sonny Gray. The Twins also purchased shortstop as part of the flurry. Isiah Kiner-FalefaAnd flipped him to New York Yankees.
Gray, who was dealt from the rebuilding to the Twins, said “You can sense that there is an additional level of excitement within this group.” Cincinnati Reds. “It shows that the front office is committed to improving our team and not being satisfied with our current situation. We want to keep improving and it feels like the front office is showing us, as players, that they are committed to making this team better.
The Twins have added Correa, 27, to their lineup. He is a powerful bat and a solid defender in the middle. Correa’s addition significantly increases the chances of the Twins reaching the postseason, as six teams from each league qualify for the playoffs.
The 2012 amateur draft saw the Twins roster feature the first two selected players. Correa was the Astros’ first overall pick. The Twins used the second draft pick. Byron BuxtonPrior to the lockout, he signed an incentive-laden, seven year, $100-million extension in December.
“I knew we were signing someone, and you never know who it could be,” Buxton said. Buxton described it as “pretty wild”. “One-two, now we can play together and go out doing what we want.”
Notes
RHP John Romero was claimed off waivers by the Twins. Washington NationalsMonday. Romero made his debut last September. He posted a 4.50 ERA over four innings in five games. The Twins placed RHP to make room on their 40-man roster. Randy DobnakWith a right middle finger strain from camp, Dobnak is on the 60 day injured list. Dobnak was also injured in the same way in 2021.