Carlos Correa and the Minnesota Twins ‘finalize six-year, $200 million deal… up to a PHYSICAL’

Free-agent shortstop Carlos Correa agreed to his third long-term deal of the offseason this time, agreeing to a six-year, $200 million deal to remain with the Minnesota Twins.

Correa had previously signed nine-figure deals with both the San Francisco Giants and the New York Mets, only to watch them ditch amid concerns over his surgically repaired leg. ESPN was the first to report Correa’s agreement in Minnesota, which could be worth up to $270 million based on an exercise option tied to certain benchmarks.

According to ESPN, Correa’s vesting option will become official and would extend the deal by four years if he can pass a medical review, which begins Tuesday and ends Wednesday. The shortstop underwent surgery in 2014 to repair a fractured right fibula and damage to his ligaments. The Mets and Giants were reportedly concerned about how Correa’s leg would age, prompting both clubs to terminate their respective agreements.

Correa played for Minnesota last season but turned down a $35.1 million player option on his contract to test the free agency market this winter.

Carlos Correa may return to Minnesota and sign a six-year, $200 million deal with the twins

Twins spokespeople did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com’s request for confirmation.

On Tuesday morning, The New York Post’s Jon Heyman first reported that the twins’ talks with Correa were “gaining momentum,” which may have surprised Mets fans who believed their team was still working on extending their 12-year agreement to close $315 million with the two-time All-Star.

A similar problem brought the kibosh to his 13-year, $350 million deal with the Giants, who abruptly canceled a Dec. 20 press conference featuring their new shortstop when doctors reported the results of his physical exam in San Francisco.

SNY insider Andy Martino reported last week that the Mets were “very frustrated” during negotiations and may have considered calling off negotiations.

A team source quoted by SNY claimed New York was considering “walking away altogether.” Although another source mentions there is a “strong chance” that an agreement will be reached despite the current difficulties.

According to Heyman, other teams have also expressed interest in the two-time All-Star, but it looks like he’s staying in Minneapolis.

Correa’s $200m deal would be the largest in club history, surpassing home-state Joe Mauer’s eight-year, $184m contract extension from 2010.

Minnesota seemed poised to hand over the shortstop job to highly touted candidate Royce Lewis, who is coming off a cruciate ligament rupture in 2022. He is likely to be out until at least June, but on that front there now seems to be no urgency for Correa to return.

Correa signed a three-year deal with the Twins ahead of the 2022 season, only to step out of his contract after the season. Since then, two agreements have been dissolved over injury concerns

The good news for the Mets is that the loss of Correa significantly reduces their 2022 payroll.

Billionaire owner Steve Cohen was willing to shell out nearly $500 million in player salaries and luxury taxes. Now, without Correa on the 2023 books, that number will be closer to $444 million, according to The New York Post’s Joel Sherman.

Of course, that’s no consolation for Mets fans, many of whom were looking forward to Correa moving to third base alongside All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor.

Some fans took solace with the prediction that two-time Los Angeles Angels sensation Shohei Ohtani will sign in Queens next offseason.

Meanwhile, New York Yankees fans poked fun at their National League rival in Crosstown, who briefly thought they had stolen the city limelight from Aaron Judge and his decision to return to the Bronx on a free basis.

“I’m old enough to remember when the Mets, who signed Carlos Correa, ‘overshadowed’ Aaron Judge, who was staying at home,” documentary maker Randy Wilkins tweeted.

Newsday’s Laura Albanese joked that she “can’t wait” for the Correa tribute video at Citi [Field]’ who pokes fun at his 0-game tenure with the Mets.

Some fans took solace with the prediction that two-time Los Angeles Angels sensation Shohei Ohtani will sign in Queens next offseason

Newsday’s Laura Albanese joked that she “can’t wait” for the Correa tribute video at Citi [Field]’ who pokes fun at his 0-game tenure with the Mets

The Twins have not been silent this offseason, adding former Yankees outfielder Joey Gallo and longtime Boston Red Sox catcher Christian Vasquez.

The team is also hoping to get a full season from often-injured midfielder Byron Buxton, a 29-year-old who hit 28 homers in just 92 games in 2022.

The Mets, meanwhile, have a vacancy at third base, where Correa was drafted alongside Lindor. Aging infielder Eduardo Escobar is still under contract, but his on-base percentage fell below .300 last season, taking much of his value with him.

Another option is promising 23-year-old Brett Baty, who hit a homer twice in 38 at-bats last season.

New York also has 21-year-old Dominican shortstop Ronny Mauricio who could potentially be moved to third base.

The Mets, meanwhile, have a vacancy at third base, where Correa was drafted alongside Lindor. Aging infielder Eduardo Escobar is still under contract, but his on-base percentage fell below .300 last season, taking much of his value with him. Another option is promising 23-year-old Brett Baty, who hit a homer twice in 38 at-bats last season. New York also has 21-year-old Dominican shortstop Ronny Mauricio who could potentially be moved to third base