Houston Astros: Damned if they do or do not with Carlos Correa

The Houston Astros have a decision to make with Carlos Correa. However, no matter what they do, they will remain behind the eight ball.

The Houston Astros are at a bit of a crossroads. Their entire starting outfield are free agents, and the pitching staff is not what it had been even a year ago. Although there is still plenty of talent on the roster, the Astros future is in question.

Given those circumstances, it is not a surprise that there would be several trade rumors around the organization, particularly when it comes to Carlos Correa. The Astros shortstop is slated to become a free agent after the 2021 season, adding fuel to the speculative fire.

For their part, the Astros have not indicated that Correa is on the block. The Astros are looking to win, and although general manager James Crick said that they are willing to pursue all avenues, it is easier to win with Correa on the roster. So much for those trade rumors.

But this also puts the Astros in a difficult spot. That desire to win is all well and good, but they need to have the pieces in place first. That that point, the Astros essentially need to remake their bullpen, which includes finding a new closer. The back of the rotation is a major question mark. And then there is the matter of rebuilding their outfield.

With all the holes on the roster, it would make sense if the Astros considered a rebuild. Correa, even with just the one year of team control left, could bring back the type of pieces that Houston needs to hasten that process.

But the vestiges of a contending team remain. With Zack Greinke, Jose Altuve, and Alex Bregman on board, the Astros do have a respectable core. Yuli Gurriel is back, and Justin Verlander will be returning at some point. But key areas of the roster are aging. Houston may have another run in them, but there is a lot of work that has to be done in order to keep their window open.

The Houston Astros have said that Carlos Correa is not necessarily on the trade block. But no matter what the Astros decide, they will be second guessed if the 2021 season is a disappointment.