Carlos Correa opted out of his contract with the Minnesota Twins to become a free agent for the second consecutive offseason. The 28-year-old joins a star-studded shortstop class that includes Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts and Dansby Swanson.
Correa shocked the baseball world last year when he signed a three-year, $105.3 million contract with the Twins that contained multiple opt-outs. The two-time All-Star was expected to ink a long-term deal but nevertheless earned $35.1 million this year — the highest annual average salary for an infielder in MLB history.
In his first season in Minnesota, Correa hit .291/.366/.467 with 24 doubles, 22 home runs and 64 RBI across 136 games while playing strong defense at shortstop.
The Twins and Correa are believed to have mutual interest in working out a new contract, but the 2015 American League Rookie of the Year is expected to draw interest from many teams that could drive up his price.
The Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly will consider signing Correa if they are unable to retain Turner, who also is expected to have plenty of suitors this offseason.
The Dodgers were linked to Correa last year as well, which came off as a surprise considering he was part of the 2017 Houston Astros team that illegally stole signs en route to winning the World Series.
Turner would ‘love’ to re-sign with Dodgers
Just like Correa, Turner figures to receive a long-term contract this offseason that could approach $300 million in total value.
While Turner has been successful in L.A., there have been rumblings he may prefer returning to the East Coast, where he was born and spent the first seven seasons of his career.
However, Turner recently denied that notion and made it clear he would be open to re-signing with the Dodgers.
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