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Carlos Correa said Twins manager David Popkins couldn't believe Correa was hitting six times a week, so he sent him video every day as proof.
"He told me. "Man, you can't hit six times a week," Correa said with a laugh.
In response, Popkins sent a video of Correa's teammates Jose Miranda and Alex Kirilloff working hard to recover from their injuries.
"I like to get information," Correa said.
Even though TwinsFest is at the end of January, Correa said he feels ready for spring training right now, and more importantly, the foot that has bothered him through 2023 feels good. For the first time in three seasons, Correa finally had a chance to work and build without worrying about contract negotiations, and in 24 years he recognized the importance of a comeback season and took advantage of it.
"You know me," Correa said. “I don't blame my offensive struggles on [plantar fascia]. Moreover. But this year I came in healthy and ready to go. My swing is great. I want to have a good year. This is what I am preparing for.
Correa doesn't make excuses, so he doesn't really say it, but plantar fasciitis in his left heel is clearly contributing to his .230/.312/.399 slash line, 18 homers and below-average hitting. 94 OPS+ last season struggled to find a swing that worked for him when he was sick.
Although it took longer than expected for his leg to fully recover (without surgery), Correa said he felt better when he started running and jogging in late December. He said he's been hitting since November, the first time since starting "in a while."
Popkins said he has been to Corra's house in Houston several times, and teammates Nick Gordon and Miranda have also been there. He's looking forward to lighter and more efficient swings, which he hopes will balance his fortunes in 2024. Mechanics. 23 and helped him bounce back from struggling numbers all season.
It's been a quiet season for the Twins, but the hope is that the biggest impact of their improvement could come from within, with healthy, near-complete seasons from Correa, Byron Buxton and Royce Lewis. In 2023, Buxton and Correa's base numbers were below expectations, while Lewis was limited to 58 games due to injury.
Correa is ready to change that narrative, and he's worked hard to do so.
"I found a place where I felt comfortable, where I felt like I could drive the ball and be consistent and repeat my mechanics," Correa said. - You will see.