Just before Thursday’s trade deadline, the Minnesota Twins made a decisive shift from rebuilding to fully restructuring by sending star shortstop Carlos Correa back to the Houston Astros. The Astros welcomed their 2012 top draft pick, who helped secure their 2017 World Series title, in exchange for left-handed pitcher Matt Mikulski. This trade not only bolsters a struggling Astros lineup affected by injuries but also significantly reduces the Twins’ sizable financial obligations.
The Twins initially signed Correa in 2022 on a three-year contract, but he opted out after a single season. Following an unsuccessful free agency negotiation with the Giants, Correa re-signed with Minnesota on a six-year, $200 million deal that includes three team options starting in 2024. As part of this deal, the Twins agreed to cover $33 million of Correa’s remaining salary, according to ESPN.
Correa’s Role and Challenges with the Astros
At 30 years old, Correa returns to Houston while managing ongoing injury concerns that have deterred other teams, including the Giants and the Mets, from signing him. His struggle with plantar fasciitis has slowed him considerably, transforming him from one of the game’s faster shortstops into one of the slowest. Despite these hurdles, Houston is optimistic about Correa’s offensive potential given his significant bat speed.
Though Correa’s home run totals have fallen from his previous steady 20-25 per season mark to just 14 last year and only seven this season, the Astros believe his return to Houston’s hitter-friendly park, particularly the short left field porch, could reignite his power numbers. Financially, this acquisition poses a risk; Correa is slated to earn over $95 million across the next three seasons, yet his recent production, reflected in only one season exceeding 3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) in the last three years, remains uncertain.
If Correa can recapture the form he showed early this year, hitting .310 with a .388 on-base percentage and a .517 slugging percentage, he would provide a significant boost to Houston’s offense. Once Jeremy Peña recovers from injury, the Astros may also consider shifting Correa from shortstop to a less demanding defensive position, such as third base, to preserve his health and effectiveness.
What the Twins Gain from This Transaction
In return, Minnesota acquired 26-year-old left-handed pitcher Matt Mikulski, a former second-round draft pick by the Giants in 2021 out of Fordham University. The Twins viewed this trade primarily as a salary relief move rather than a talent acquisition.
Mikulski struggled in the minor leagues, posting a 5-7 record with a 6.15 ERA over multiple years at the High-A Eugene level, and was released by the Giants in spring training. The Astros signed him later that season, but Mikulski’s performance remained inconsistent across stints with the Florida Complex League and High-A Asheville, where he recorded a 7.63 ERA, 18 hits allowed, and 15 walks over 15.1 innings.
Implications for Both Teams Going Forward
This deal underscores Houston’s intent to strengthen their roster as injuries have weakened key positions, while Minnesota continues to recalibrate its roster and payroll commitments. By shedding a large portion of Correa’s contract, the Twins gain financial flexibility during their rebuilding phase. Meanwhile, the Astros accept considerable financial risk, betting that Correa’s offensive upside will outweigh his durability issues and help maintain their competitive edge as the season progresses.