Twins release player from Astros-Carlos Correa trade

The Minnesota Twins have released left-handed pitcher Matt Mikulski, according to the team’s transaction log. Minnesota acquired Mikulski, 26, from the Houston Astros in exchange for Carlos Correa on July 31.

Mikulski, who the San Francisco Giants selected in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft, was viewed as a throw-in for the trade, as the main objective for the Twins when moving Correa was to shed payroll, as Houston will pay most of the remainder of Correa’s salary, while the Twins are paying $33 million of the rest of his $103.42 million contract.

Mikulski made six appearances for the Cedar Rapids Kernels, the Twins’ Single-A affiliate, allowing six runs (five earned) on two hits, two hit-batters and 13 walks while striking out seven over 5 1/3 innings. Overall, the lefty has a career 7.84 ERA with a 21.9% strikeout rate and abysmal 24.6% walk rate in the minor leagues. Given Mikulski’s inability to limit free passes and consistently get opposing hitters out, the lefty is likely headed toward retirement this offseason.

Checking in on Astros’ Carlos Correa

While Mikulski is no longer a Twin, Correa was one of Houston’s most productive hitters after being traded back to his old team. In 220 plate appearances with the Astros this past season, Correa slashed .290/.355/.430 (122 wrC+) with six homers, 10 doubles, 21 RBIs and 23 runs. On the other hand, Correa struggled with the Twins in 2025, slashing .267/.319/.386 (97 wRC+) with seven homers, 19 doubles, 31 RBIs and 40 runs over 364 plate appearances.

It may sting a bit for Twins fans to see Correa’s production since leaving Minnesota, especially given the very low morale among fans since the trade deadline fire sale and the Pohlads’ decision to keep owning the team. However, Correa is still probably unhappy with how the Astros’ season ended, as Houston missed the postseason for the first time since 2016. The Astros barely missed the playoff cut, tying the Detroit Tigers for the third and final Wild Card spot with an 87-75 record, with Detroit holding the tiebreaker.