Despite his incredible skills and talent, Carlos Correa has been unable to get off the bench in the last few years. That may change, if Aaron Judge is signed by the Twins. But for now, Correa could have a chance to prove himself once again, with a one-year contract that could extend into 2024.

Aaron Judge could be the next big signing for Correa

Despite having a good roster with a solid base of talent, the New York Yankees have yet to land a marquee player, and a shortstop is a glaring hole in the roster. They could go young at the position, or try to trade for some outfield help. They might also be able to sign a free agent shortstop, which is a viable option.

The New York Yankees have been linked to Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa. The latter is the most plausible, as Correa would fit nicely into their lineup. However, the Yankees would likely have to make a commitment to him, which is a riskier move than re-signing Judge.

The other logical choice would be to sign a free agent shortstop, like Trea Turner. However, this is a bit of a risky proposition as Turner is not a marquee draw.

The Yankees could also opt to use Judge’s money to sign a star player. If they do, they would have the money to spend on an additional second tier free agent. This would give them the flexibility to make the big splash in January.

No. 1 is not one of the Twins’ nine retired uniform numbers

Throughout the history of the Minnesota Twins, nine uniform numbers have been retired. However, No. 1 isn’t one of them. Instead, it’s worn by utility player Nick Gordon.

Gordon has played two seasons for the Twins, but was drafted in the 17th round in 1978. He won the American League’s batting title in 1981. He has three Gold Gloves. He ranks second in team history in games played and second in hits. He is also in the top 150 all-time in saves.

The only player to wear number one in the Twins’ history is Willie Mays. However, he was not in the Hall of Fame.

Other numbers include the first two, which were worn by Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio. These were retired in 1999. Other players who have worn these numbers include Will Clark, Harmon Killebrew, Mike Pagliarulo and Greg Maddux.

The other nine uniform numbers retired by the Twins include: #12, #2, #3, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, and #14. The Twins have not yet removed League-wide #42.

The Twins announced on Wednesday that they will retire Jim Kaat’s number. Kaat has been with the team for over sixty years. He was selected for the Twins’ Golden Days Era committee.

Correa’s contract with the Twins could end in 2024

Upon signing his three-year contract with the Twins, Carlos Correa became the highest paid MLB infielder in terms of average annual value. He will receive a base salary of $35.1 million over the first two years of the deal, with a player option for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

The Twins are betting that Correa can deliver a strong performance at the plate and in the field in 2021. He has posted an average of 100 plus hits in every full season of his career, except for his rookie season. He also has the third highest career postseason Win Probability Added.

However, his numbers at the plate have been flirting with the worst of his career. He is expected to opt out of his contract in the offseason, which will give him a chance to test the free agent market once again.

If Correa opts out of his contract, the Twins will still have a bit of salary room for splashy moves. The front office has avoided a multi-year deal in recent years. However, they could make a competitive offer.

Correa’s one-year deal could have been smart

Despite being named the American League Rookie of the Year in 2015, Carlos Correa didn’t sign a long-term contract with the Houston Astros. Instead, he signed a three-year deal with the Minnesota Twins. This deal gives the shortstop flexibility to return to free agency in 2022, and to opt out of the contract in 2023.

While Correa has produced at a high level for most of his career, he has not reached the level of production that would be expected from a player with his skill set. His back injury and torn thumb ligament have held him back this year. This could be a deterrent to signing a long-term contract, but it does not mean that he will not sign a deal.

Correa would sign a huge deal after his first two years, but he would have to be healthy to be able to opt out. His average annual value would be the highest of any infielder in baseball, with a contract that would pay him an estimated $11.7 million in 2021.