The Twins won't start spring training for another month, but their roster is suddenly looking complete.
Outlooks change that quickly when Carlos Correa decides to stay in Minnesota.
The star shortstop seemingly ended his turbulent free agency Tuesday by agreeing to his third deal of the offseason, this one for at least six years, $200 million. His first two agreements with the Giants and Mets fell through when the standard physical examination revealed concerns about the 28-year-old's right ankle, which he injured and had surgery on in 2014 as a minor leaguer.
The World Series and Gold Glove winner spent the 2022 season with the Twins, opting out of the two final years of that contract — each worth $35.1 million — to again seek the big-money, long-term deal he couldn't secure during the lockout. And while Correa perhaps didn't intend on being with the Twins for the long term, his impact said otherwise.
He almost immediately became the Twins' most vocal leader, often seen mentoring young players like fellow Puerto Rican Jose Miranda or brainstorming with franchise player Byron Buxton. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli also often spoke of the example Correa set with his work ethic.
On the field, he also delivered. He brought consistency and excellence to a position where the Twins have lacked stability. And at the plate, he produced 64 RBI and 22 home runs with a .291 batting average. He played his best offense in the final months of the season, hitting .355 in September and October.
There's still time for the Twins' front office of Derek Falvey and Thad Levine to orchestrate more deals: A team can never have enough pitchers, for example. But with Correa's return, plus other offseason signings, the Twins' lineup has depth, which is necessary if anything close to the number of injuries endured in 2022 reoccurs.
Jorge Polanco can continue his duties at second base. Kyle Farmer, whom the Twins snagged from Cincinnati in November, will likely play third base with Luis Arraez and Miranda once again splitting duties at first base with occasional fill-ins at third. The designated hitter spot will also allow the Twins some flexibility with numerous players likely rotating through it.