Carlos Correa is counting his blessings in Minnesota despite previously missing out on a big free-agent payday in 2022.
Two offseasons ago, the 29-year-old shortstop was the subject of contracts worth more than $300 million with the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets, but ended up signing a six-year deal with the Twins for $200 million (with four additional years of options).
And despite concerns about a past ankle injury that made teams reluctant to sign him during the 2022-23 offseason, Correa is now hitting .305 with 11 homers and an .833 OPS and is on pace to have his best year yet in Minnesota.
“This is the best thing that could have happened to me and my family,” said the three-time All-Star. USA Today.
“I don’t know what other places would have been like, but this is a fantastic place with a great family atmosphere and great people who care about you. These are the people I feel comfortable with and have come to love.”
Carlos Correa returned to the Twins as a free agent in 2022, signing a six-year, $200 million contract.
He cited family time as a priority since his current deal in Minnesota allows him to retire early.
Correa also believes it would be easier for him to retire if the Twins can’t pay him the guaranteed money remaining on his contract and he wants to retire early.
“You know, six years old and the options seem so much better than 13 years old with the kids growing so fast and requiring so much attention,” Correa said. “At some point I have 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 contract structure than with a 13- or 12-year contract. This is definitely the best thing that could have happened to me and my family,” he continued.
Correa’s stance on his MLB future doesn’t change much from his previous statement made during spring training earlier this year.
The 29-year-old shortstop shares two children with his wife and former Miss Texas Danielle Rodriguez.
“I’m a simple guy. I’m a quiet guy,” he said. The New York Post in March. ‘I hold no grudges. It’s 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 have two children now and I have to set a good example. I’m very happy with the life God has given me so far and with the place he’s put me in.”
Correa, who welcomed his second child in March 2023 with wife and former Miss Texas Danielle Rodriguez, was selected as the first overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft by the Astros. Together they have two children.
Correa was previously the American League Rookie of the Year in 2015 and won a World Series in Houston in 2017.