FORT MYERS FL. Carlos CorreaOctober has been declared “his time”. It’s certainly not Minnesota’s.
Even though Correa’s stay in Minneapolis was short, the Twins believe Correa can make a difference.
Correa stated that he wanted to “build a championship culture” in the organization.
The former Houston AstrosStar tugged on the No. 4 jersey of the Twins. The jersey was officially introduced Wednesday, five day after it was first worn. agreeing to a $105.3 million, three-year contractThat includes opt outs after the first or second season.
The Twins have lost 18 of their last 18 postseason games, since their 2004 October victory. Their most recent loss was in 2020’s wild-card round. Correa hit a go ahead homer 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 raises the confidence, because this person simply has done this before,” Twins manager Rocco baldelli stated.
This is why Minnesota’s small market opted for an unusual deal. Correa’s average salary of $35.1 million is just the beginning. Mike TroutThe Angels’ $36 million total is the same as the entire projected opening-day payrolls in Baltimore and Pittsburgh.
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.
“When I called (Twins Chairman Jim Pohlad) Friday as we were getting closer, immediate support,” Derek Falvey, president of baseball operations, stated. “It is what it is.
Correa will be the highest-paid infielder in baseball this season, and he’ll have an opportunity to pursue more.
During the lockout, Correa, 27, switched agents from William Morris Endeavor and Scott Boras. Correa claimed Wednesday that Boras had offered him a shorter contract that could allow him to return to the market quickly. They set their sights on a place where Correa could flourish.
At Target Field, they hit a bulls-eye. Correa is a career.413 batter with a 1.205 OPS. He has played in 15 Minnesota games.
Boras stated, “When a player feels so comfortable in a ballpark we knew there was a match.”
Correa could join a market for free agents if he decides to leave after 2022. This market could also include shortstops Trea TurnerThe Dodgers Xander BogaertsBoston and Tim AndersonFrom the White Sox. Correa is younger then all of them.
He’s first hoping to make an impression in Minnesota. Correa was.279 last season with 26 homers and 92 RBI. He also had an.851 OPS. He was a two-time All-Star as well as the 2015 AL Rookie-of-the-Year. His.849 OPS is over 79 postseason 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 club that features several AL Central title holdovers in 2019 & ’20. Byron Buxton, Miguel Sanó, Max KeplerDouble-play Partner Jorge Polanco. Buxton and Correa were drafted 1-2 in 2012. They have been friends since highschool.
Falvey said that Carlos will now elevate the group from his experience and add to it.
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, “They are making their teammates think and react differently to things and doing it in a better way maybe than they’ve ever done before.” That’s his goal every single day that 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 top prospect, as well as his replacement. Royce Lewis. Correa took Lewis’ No. 4 and paid him back with a Hublot Watch. Lewis was joined by Rod Carew and LaTroyhawkins, former Twins, to attend Correa’s press conference.
Correa stated, “I know I accidentally took his number,” “Royce, sorry.”