Report: Minnesota Twins are Open-Minded to Trade their superstar shortstop

The Minnesota Twins appear poised for one of their quietest offseasons in recent memory. Their projected 2025 payroll sits at approximately $140 million, which overshoots their expected $130 million budget by $10 million.

As a result, the Twins will likely focus on offloading more salary than they take on in the coming months. Operating under such financial constraints makes it challenging to acquire players who can significantly improve the team.

One potential solution for immediate payroll flexibility would be trading their $35 million superstar, Carlos Correa. While such a move would free up significant funds—given Correa earns twice as much as anyone else on the roster—it would also come with major consequences for the team’s competitive outlook.

Minnesota Twins open-minded to trading Carlos Correa

Former Cleveland shortstop Carlos Baerga and others have increasingly suggested that the Minnesota Twins might trade their superstar shortstop, Carlos Correa, as a cost-saving measure. Speculation about a potential Correa trade has been gaining momentum ahead of the MLB Winter Meetings next week.

Darren “Doogie” Wolfson of KSTP shared on Thursday’s episode of Mackey & Judd (SKOR North) that while the Twins aren’t actively shopping Correa, they remain “open-minded” to the possibility. If a team were to present a serious offer to team president Derek Falvey, the Twins could consider making a deal.

“I haven’t heard that the Twins are actively ‘shopping’ Carlos Correa,” Darren Wolfson shared. “But are they open-minded? Absolutely. Derek Falvey and the rest of the Twins’ front office are treating this offseason like business as usual. They’re heading to Dallas this weekend, and things will really pick up by Monday, possibly even Sunday night. Could this become a major discussion by next Tuesday, in the midst of the Winter Meetings? I wouldn’t be surprised.”

Correa leaving Twins could depend on where Juan Soto lands

The key domino in play appears to be Juan Soto. According to Darren “Doogie” Wolfson, the New York Yankees are the team most interested in Carlos Correa but view him as a “Plan B” option if they fail to land Soto. If Soto returns to the Bronx Bombers, it’s unlikely the Yankees would take on the bulk of Correa’s hefty contract.

Wolfson believes the Yankees are the frontrunners to sign Soto. However, if Soto ends up elsewhere, New York could pivot their attention to Correa. For Minnesota Twins fans, that means keeping a close eye on Soto’s decision—if he doesn’t land in New York, Correa could become a major trade target.

“I think a key domino would be Juan Soto not returning to New York, giving the Yankees more financial flexibility,” Darren Wolfson explained. “Yes, it’s the Yankees—they should have all the flexibility in the world—but they’re still mindful of their spending. If they commit $625 million to Soto, are they also ready to take on Carlos Correa’s contract? I’m skeptical.

However, if Soto ends up with the Dodgers, Mets, or even the Blue Jays—I don’t think he’s going to Toronto, though—I actually believe he’ll return to the Yankees. That said, no one really knows for sure. A decision on Soto seems imminent, but if he doesn’t land back with the Yankees, I’ll be paying close attention to the possibility of them shifting focus to Correa.”

When healthy, Carlos Correa has been the Minnesota Twins’ standout player by a significant margin. In just 86 games last season, he posted an impressive 3.7 bWAR, batting .310 with 14 home runs, 54 RBIs, 55 runs scored, and a .905 OPS. However, his season was derailed by a plantar fasciitis issue, initially downplayed, that caused him to miss much of the second half.

Over three seasons with the Twins, Correa has accumulated 10.4 bWAR, appearing in 357 games with 1,537 plate appearances. During that time, he’s hit .272 with a .804 OPS, a 124 OPS+, 54 home runs, and 183 RBIs. His leadership and production were pivotal in helping the Twins break their playoff drought, securing their first postseason series win since 2004.