Inside Carlos Correa’s Surprising 3-Year Twins Deal

The most coveted MLB free agent landed in perhaps the unlikeliest of places — and may not be there for long.

Two-time All-Star shortstop Carlos Correa agreed to terms with the Twins on a three-year, $105.3 million contract over the weekend, according to multiple reports.

The puzzling deal features opt-out clauses after each of the first two seasons, in effect making it a possible one-year commitment.

If he stays in Minnesota through 2023, he’d only be 30 and still in his prime, setting him up for a second consecutive big-money deal — but likely a long-term contract.

• The $35.1M AAV is the fourth-highest all-time (Max Scherzer, $43.3M; Gerrit Cole, $36M; Mike Trout, $35.5M) and is the most ever for an infielder.
• Correa rejected the Astros’ one-year, $18.4M qualifying offer.
• He hit .279 with 26 HRs and 92 RBI in ’21 for Houston, and his 7.2 WAR ranked third in MLB.

Correa provides another potent bat and Gold Glove defense for the Twins, who are in the midst of a major overhaul this offseason after finishing 73-89. In addition to Correa, Minnesota has acquired catcher Gary Sanchez, third baseman Gio Urshela, and starter Sonny Gray.

Minnesota has the second-best odds (+500*) to win the AL Central but could feasibly grab one of two wild-card spots. 

Correa (.272, 18 HRs, 59 RBI in 79 playoff games) could be the key to snapping the longest postseason losing streak in the history of North American sports (18 games).