HOUSTON -- Carlos Correa, a popular cornerstone player in the Astros’ rise from a rebuilding club to a World Series champion, could be returning to Houston. A source said Wednesday the Astros have shown interest in reuniting with Correa, who spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Astros. The club’s interest in Correa was first reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
A trade to acquire Correa would likely mean he would play third base, with All-Star shortstop Jeremy Peña set to come off the injured list at some point this week. Peña, who took over at shortstop for Correa and was named World Series Most Valuable Player in 2022, has been out for a month with a fractured rib, but he made his first Minor League rehab start Tuesday at Triple-A Sugar Land.
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The Astros have been ravaged by injuries this year, with All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes set to miss significant time with a right hamstring strain. The Astros have said for more than a week that Paredes is seeking a second opinion on the hamstring strain he suffered July 20 in Seattle, and there’s a fear he could miss the remainder of the season.
The No. 1 pick by the Astros in the 2012 MLB Draft, Correa blossomed into a star and a franchise icon in Houston, leading the club to six trips to the playoffs, including three American League pennants and the 2017 World Series championship. He was the team’s on-field leader before leaving in free agency.
A reunion with Correa would provide a jolt for an Astros team that’s struggled offensively in July and maintains a tenuous four-game lead in the AL West over the Mariners. The Astros have been without slugger Yordan Alvarez (hand) for most of the season, and center fielder Jake Meyers has missed three weeks with a right calf strain. Correa remains close to some of his former teammates, including Jose Altuve.
Correa, 30, left the Astros as a free agent after the 2021 campaign, signing a three-year, $105.3 million deal with the Twins. He opted out of his contract following the 2022 season, but he ended up returning to Minnesota on a six-year, $200 million pact that includes vesting options for each season from 2029-32. His deal also includes a full no-trade clause, so he'd have to give his approval to be moved.
A three-time All-Star, Correa is having a down year at the plate, hitting .267 with seven homers and a .705 OPS over 93 games. However, he is only one season removed from slashing .310/.388/.517 (152 OPS+) over 86 games.
The Astros would like to add some offense and have also shown interest in D-backs third baseman Eugenio Suárez and Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, who used his trade veto power to block a deal to Houston in December. Ideally, Houston would like to add a left-handed bat, but the opening at third base has it looking for the best options available.