Is there any way I can salvage my recorder?

I have a mini recorder thing. I don’t know how else they’re called. Just one of those small recorders you can plug into your computer to transfer the recordings.

The other day it got submerged in water unknowingly. It was left there for several hours in the day. It wasn’t completely submerged but the bottom half was, and when I realized it I was like “Awwwww shhhhhhiiiit.” Of course it wouldn’t turn on. I emptied the batteries and let it dry overnight, hoping that by morning it’d be okay.

Upon closer inspection, I see that in the battery compartment, one of the flat metal ends where the plus end of a battery goes has rusted. I assume that could be the source of the problem, hopefully.

Any ideas how to McGyver my way through it?

I have 21 recordings on there. Thankfully nothing super important but still. It sucks.