Houston Astros: A realistic extension for Carlos Correa

The Houston Astros are in a difficult position with Carlos Correa. Their talented shortstop is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, leaving a major void in their lineup. For their part, Houston has attempted to engage Correa in extension conversations, but those have not gone anywhere.

When healthy, Correa is one of the better shortstops in the game. He is a five tool player at the position, with excellent power and speed. His defense is better than one may realize, as Correa is a viable Gold Glove candidate. His lifetime 126 OPS+ with 107 homers and 128 doubles while saving 31 runs at short are impressive.

Houston Astros need to find realistic extension for Carlos Correa

The problem is that Correa is not guaranteed to be on the diamond at any point in time. He has just one season where he has appeared in over 110 games, which happened back in 2016. While he was healthy last year, appearing in 58 of the Astros’ 60 games, it is difficult to trust that season.

Correa had previously mentioned his desire to become the next franchise icon for the Astros. However, that was before Houston made a pair of extension offers that did not lead to any actual negotiations. Now, instead of becoming that next icon, he seems ready to leave the Astros behind, unless they offer what could be considered a reasonable extension offer.

But what should that be? The Astros offered a six year extension worth $120 million, and a five year extension worth $125 million. Those offers would seem to be reasonable, especially given his injury history, but Correa may be eyeing the extension handed to Francisco Lindor and Fernando Tatis Jr. while thinking he deserves similar.

If Correa is holding out for $30 million a season or more, he is in for a long wait. Unless he proves to be healthy this year, it is difficult to imagine that he would receive much more than the Astros offers in free agency despite his youth and all around game. If the Astros come back with a six year offer at approximately $160 million, that should be enough to begin negotiations.

Carlos Correa’s injury history does put a damper on any possible extension. However, he and the Houston Astros can still find middle ground.