La Velle's 3-2 Pitch: Three observations and two predictions on Sundays.
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The Twins have a checklist of things to accomplish this offseason, but nothing is more important than trying to get Carlos Correa to agree to a long-term deal.
So don't think that the trade for Kyle Farmer has ended that search.
The Twins have engaged Correa, who opted out of his Twins deal after one season and is represented by uber agent Scott Boras, on different deals of different lengths, an attempt to find some common ground with the top shortstop on the market who batted .291 with 22 homers and 64 RBI last season. His 5.4 WAR led the team, he enjoyed his time with the club and is open to returning. Deals as long as 10 years and as short as six have been kicked around, with varying average annual values.
But as the top shortstop available, Correa can command top dollar. And Boras is known to play the slow game with his best free agents in most cases.
It's not clear if the Twins are willing to wait until January or longer for Correa and Boras to decide on where he will sign. Correa has the leverage here, because he's better than Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, Dansby Swanson and other shortstops on the market. Correa is in his prime, and his athleticism suggests he will age gracefully.
Boras is more than thorough when it comes to shopping his players. He will request a private audience with club owners. He will hold court at the upcoming winter meetings in San Diego, turn on the pun machine and try to drive up interest. He will slow-play, unless a team makes a whopper offer. It's not clear if Twins owner Jim Pohlad will meet with Boras in person, but he's made clear both his fondness for Correa and his desire to get him back. If Correa and Boras decide to wait out the market, will the Twins remain patient or move on to someone else?
