Only one crack at October has been crushing for C-4’s skill/leadership set
I’m going to state the obvious right from the jump: strictly by the numbers, the signing of Carlos Correa in 2022—followed by the 6-year, $200 million deal before 2023—has been disappointing for the Minnesota Twins.
In 2015-2021 with the Houston Astros, Correa put together these 162-game averages:
- 7.3 WAR, 29 HR, 105 RBI, .277 BA, .837 OPS, 127 OPS+
The 162-game averages in Twins Territory (2022-2025):
- 3.8 WAR, 22 HR, 78 RBI, .271 RBI, .784 OPS, 118 OPS+
It’s not like C-4 has flamed out—but all his numbers are a noticeable notch below his South Texas tenure. Likely some combination of age & injuries (a big reason he’s here altogether).
Photo by David Berding/Getty Images
But perhaps the biggest Correa tragedy? Not getting such a proven leader and late-season producer into the playoffs more than once (thus far):
2022: First half .803 OPS, second half .866 OPS
- The 2022 collapse certainly can’t be laid on Carlos—but still an opportunity wasted.
Photo by George Kubas/Diamond Images via Getty Images
2023: First half .700 OPS, second half .727 OPS
- This version of C-4 battled foot problems all year—but then hit .409 in 24 playoff PA and was making plays like this in the field…
2024: First half .896 OPS, second half .960 OPS (50 PA)
- Having his best season in Twins Territory, Correa again succumbed to foot foibles—until coming back in do-or-die time and raking (not that it mattered, yet again)!
The point here is actually a fairly simple one: above and beyond stats, Correa’s biggest potential payoff for the Pohlad pocketbooks—and fans’ penance—is now his clutch play and leadership when the chips are down.
Photo by David Berding/Getty Images
Yet, such a scenario has only been seen once—to great effect—in 2023. With this ‘25 season trending towards fall tee times instead of first pitches, it remains a shame that Carlos Correa has not been showcased under more October skies.