For now, Carlos Correa is not officially a member of the San Francisco Giants. That was supposed to happen Tuesday afternoon, until his press conference was canceled.
Carlos Correa, barring the unforeseen, will be a San Francisco Giant within the next few days.
However, Correa’s physical reportedly ran into an issue, and the sides are trying to work out the kinks. Said physical is usually an afterthought, but for Correa — who has a history of back issues — it can make a $350 million difference.
Per the Associated Press, a “medical concern” arose during that physical. What the concern is, for now, remains a mystery,
Why was Carlos Correa’s Giants press conference canceled?
A failed physical isn’t the biggest issue in the world, but it is something San Francisco and Correa’s representatives will have to weigh for the time being. An independent third medical party could be brought in, if necessary, to clear Correa of any perceived long-term issue.
There also was an earthquake in the northern California area on Tuesday morning, which led to some speculation that was the reason Correa’s introduction was delayed.
Carlos Correa back injury
Carlos Correa suffered a back injury in 2019 which forced him to miss some time. He tried to play through it in the shortened 2020 season, which likely only made things worse. The two-time All-Star only missed significant time for said back issue in 2019, and has since played 148 games in 2021 and 136 games last year with the Twins. However, his back continues to be a talking point among clubs.
Nonetheless, Correa claims he doesn’t have a long-term back issue.
It’s unclear now if the two sides will be renegotiating any part of Correa’s contract. Considering the 13-year commitment on the Giants end, it’s not surprising they’d want to get every little detail correct.
Carlos Correa injury history
His entire injury history can be found here. Correa has also suffered rib and thumb injuries during his time in the bigs.
San Francisco pivoted to Correa after they missed out on signing Aaron Judge, the prize of the free-agent market. Judge re-signed with the New York Yankees for a record deal, though reportedly left money on the table from the likes of the San Diego Padres to stay in The Bronx. A late-night phone call from Hal Steinbrenner in Italy clinched Judge’s return.
Correa spent last year with the Minnesota Twins, where he slashed .291/366/.467 with an .834 OPS on a short-term deal with a player option after the first year. The 28-year-old used that option, spurning the Twins in free agency to sign with the Giants.