The Associated Press reported that a medical issue came up during shortstop Carlos Correa’s physical with the Giants.
The Giants postponed what was expected to be Correa’s introductory press conference on Tuesday without explanation. Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle initially reported that the team and Correa were awaiting test results. One source with direct knowledge of the situation told the AP, a “medical issue was flagged during Correa’s physical.”
Correa, 28, reportedly signed with the Giants for a landmark 13-year, $350 million deal last week, but the transaction hasn’t been made official. Correa underwent a physical on Monday, according to multiple reports.
The team pushed back the press conference less than three hours before it was scheduled to begin. He, along with other Giants officials, canceled their previously scheduled media availabilities for the day.
Correa’s $350 million contract is one of the largest in MLB history and is by far the biggest the Giants have agreed to. Correa, a two-time All-Star, World Series Champion and platinum glove winner, is the most significant free agent acquisition the Giants have made since signing Barry Bonds in 1992.
Correa has a history of back injuries, and has hit the injured list seven times in his eight-year career. He stayed mostly healthy during the 2022 season, playing 136 games and spending time on the IL for a May finger injury and COVID-19.
Slusser reported on Twitter that the physical did not reveal a back issue.
The Twins reportedly offered Correa a 10-year, $285 million deal to return to Minnesota — a higher average annual value than the Giants’ deal. That may indicate their team medical staff, who worked closely with Correa all last year, weren’t overly concerned.
If a the medical issue that reportedly arose during Correa’s physical is serious, the Giants could attempt to renegotiate the terms of his contract. But that path could risk insulting Correa and his agent, Scott Boras. The AP reported that it’s unclear if the sides have discusses renegotiating the agreement.
Correa hit .291 with 22 home runs last year, registering 5.4 bWAR. The Giants signed him to be the face of the franchise for the next decade.
