After an exhausting offseason, the Houston Astros have now turned their attention to next winter. According to reports from Jon Heyman at MLB Network, the Astros offered All-Star shortstop Carlos Correa a six-year extension valued at about $120 million. No traction has been made, but it would behoove Correa to at least dip his toes in the open market.
Astros offered superstar SS Carlos Correa about $120M for 6 years, and no surprise, to this point there’s no sign of traction. Assuming no deal occurs, Correa, 26 now, will be the youngest in a great free agent class. Astros did get McCullers done at $85M/5, so credit them there.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 24, 2021
The Houston Astros offered Carlos Correa an extension, but he should test the open market
Houston’s offseason was exhausting because the franchise entered last winter with serious questions surrounding the future of their starting outfield. Unfortunately, George Springer found greener pastures with the Toronto Blue Jays, but the Astros were able to retain Michael Brantley.
As is the reality with all MLB teams, contracts always have an expiration date. If that expiration date stems from a star player, then the front office faces major headaches. And, the next major headache for Houston is the team’s biggest priority – keep Correa in Houston.
Correa is set to hit unrestricted free agency this upcoming offseason. He’s been called a superstar, and whether fans agree if his stats back up this title, he’s one of the better shortstops in this league. Correa is a true five-tool player.
The one-time All-Star is a huge threat at the plate. He owns a .345/.512/.857 career hitting line and averages 29 home runs, 100+ RBIs, nine stolen bases, and 34 doubles each year. Last season, Correa’s defense took its biggest jump as he finished first in AL Defensive WAR (1.0) and shortstop fielding percentage (.995).
He can do it all on the baseball field and has a World Series Championship to back that up. Still, age is a huge factor in Correa’s impending free agency. If he decides to test the open market, the 26-year-old will become the youngest unrestricted in next year’s talented class.
It’s also hard to ignore the contract that 22-year-old Fernando Tatis Jr. just cashed in with the San Diego Padres. The young shortstop walked away with a record-setting 14-year, $340 million deal.
At this point in his career, scouts may not value Correa in the same realm as Tatis Jr., but a World Series winner with more than 100 career home runs is enticing for any team in the league. Plain and simple, Correa should test the open market.
If he’s truly happy with the Houston Astros, then both sides should be able to find middle ground on a deal. But, it’s not easy for MLB players to reach unrestricted free agency with the number of suitors that Correa will have calling next offseason.