MLB Free Agency: After Multiple Failed Physicals, Correa Lands Back With Twins

The Twins reportedly signed twice-rejected star shortstop Carlos Correa to a 6-year, $200 million contract with $270 million available in options after a month-long free agency saga. 

The 28-year-old previously agreed to a 13-year, $350 million contract with the Giants and a 12-year, $315 million deal with the Mets, but both agreements were reportedly torpedoed by long-term concerns about his surgically-repaired right leg. 

According to the Pro Baseball Docs, his apparent right ankle issues may necessitate a hardware removal surgery and an eventual shift to DH to alleviate potential joint arthritis. 

The former World Series MVP suffered a fractured right fibula with associated ligament damage in 2014 but hasn't missed games since his return and subsequent MLB debut. 

Correa said late last season that his inserted plate “felt numb, vibrating… it was a little scary" after he was hit on the ankle sliding into second base.

If/when Correa moves out of the infield, 23-year-old former No. 1 overall pick, Royce Lewis, is in line to step into the everyday shortstop spot. 

Lewis suffered a back-to-back torn right ACL in the last two seasons but is on track to be ready for spring training.

Correa reportedly turned down a 10-year, $285 million extension offer from Minnesota before the offseason after he hit 22 home runs with an .834 OPS and 5.4 WAR in 134 games with the Twins in 2022.