Carlos Correa Returns Strong After Plantar Fasciitis, Eyes 2025 Season

MINNEAPOLIS — Carlos Correa, the Minnesota Twins‘ star shortstop, has made significant strides in recovering from plantar fasciitis, which plagued him for the second consecutive season. Correa announced he will enter spring training next month without any restrictions, ready to contribute fully to the team’s 2025 campaign.

“I’ve been sprinting. I’ve been running around. I’ve been doing about everything,” Correa said Saturday at the team’s annual fan festival at Target Field. “I’ve been focused on not only just treatment but also strengthening, a lot of walking barefoot around the house now. All that’s helping work on my toes and all that. So I’m in a really good spot.”

Correa’s 2024 season was derailed by the injury, which flared up during a three-game series on artificial turf in Arizona in late June. Despite playing through the pain initially, the All-Star break did not provide the relief he had hoped for. He ultimately missed more than two months, and the Twins struggled in his absence, finishing the season with a disappointing 82-80 record after losing 27 of their last 39 games.

“It was tough, but you’ve got to just flush it down the drain and just focus on the next one. I feel like we have a great team,” Correa said. “We have a lot of young guys with so much potential, and if we put in the work we’re going to be in a great spot.”

During his recovery, Correa sought treatment from a specialist in California and underwent shockwave therapy to increase blood flow and regenerate damaged tissue. He also made adjustments to his cleats, adding extra arch support to alleviate pressure on his heels. “The one thing that everyone knows about Carlos: He’s going to prepare himself about as well as anyone can to do all the things that are needed both on and off the field to manage it,” said Twins president Derek Falvey.

Looking ahead, the Twins plan to manage Correa’s workload by occasionally using him as a designated hitter. The team’s infield depth, including players like Royce Lewis, Jorge Polanco, and Jose Miranda, will also help reduce the strain on Correa. With the Twins currently for sale and in a spending freeze, Correa’s healthy return is crucial for the team’s success in 2025.

Despite trade rumors circulating this offseason, Correa remains committed to Minnesota. “Let me tell you something: I love Minnesota, and I love the fishing here,” he said, referencing his no-trade clause as a reason he never worried about being moved.