Twins' Carlos Correa claims that missing out on $300M contract was the 'best thing' in his career

Carlos Correa is counting his blessings in Minnesota despite previously missing out on a hefty payday as a free agent back in 2022. 

Two offseason ago, the 29-year-old shortstop was the subject of contracts worth over $300million with the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets but ended up signing a six-year deal with the Twins for $200M (with four more years of vesting options). 

And despite concerns over a past ankle injury, which made teams reluctant to sign him during the 2022-23 offseason, Correa is now batting .305 with 11 homes runs and a .833 OPS as he is on pace to having his best year so far in Minnesota.

'This is the best thing that could have happened to me and my family,' the three-time All-Star told USA Today.

'I don't know what the other places would have been like, but this is a great place with a great family environment and great people all around that care about you. These are the people that I feel comfortable with that I've grown to love.' 

Correa also believes that it would be easier for him to retire if the Twins can't pay him the guaranteed money left on his contract and he wants to call it a day sooner than anticipated. 

'You know, the six years and the options seem a lot better than 13 years with the kids growing up so fast and requiring so much attention to them,' Correa pointed out. 'At some point I've got to make the tough decision of, ''Hey do I want to keep doing this or do I want to be with my family?''

'So, it's a lot easier with the structure on the contract than it was with a 13- or 12-year contract. This is definitely the best thing that could happen to me and my family,' he continued. 

Correa's stance on his MLB future doesn't change much from his previous statement made during spring training earlier this year. 

'I'm a simple guy. I'm a chill guy,' he told The New York Post in March. 'I don't hold grudges. It's just the nature of the sport. It's the nature of the business. You have to move on. 

'You can't let that consume you. I've got two kids now, and I've got to set a good example. I'm very happy with the life that God has given me so far, and where he's put me.' 

Correa, who welcomed his second child in March 2023 with his wife and former Miss Texas Danielle Rodriguez, was selected as the No. 1 overall pic of the 2012 MLB Draft by the Astros. Together they have two children. 

Correa was previously the AL Rookie of the Year in 2015 and won a World Series in Houston in 2017.