5 big things to watch for when the MLB lockout ends

Oct 19, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) celebrates with team mates after scoring in the fourth inning of game three of the 2021 NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) celebrates with team mates after scoring in the fourth inning of game three of the 2021 NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 02: Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros bats against the Oakland Athletics during the second inning of a Major League Baseball game at RingCentral Coliseum on April 02, 2021 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Another thing we’re watching after the MLB lockout ends: Where will Carlos Correa go and what happens to the Houston Astros?

Much like Freddie Freeman and his next destination, all eyes will be on the decision made by Carlos Correa on where he will continue his career. From the New York Yankees to the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Chicago Cubs, Correa has been linked to big markets all offseason as he looks to cash in on his time with the Houston Astros where he has excelled at the plate and in the field.

How much is Correa wanting to cash in? He has hired Scott Boras to be his agent, and fellow shortstop Corey Seager inking a 10-year, $325 million deal with the Texas Rangers has to be a motivator for Correa to land a contract in that price range. After all, Correa reportedly turned down a 10-year, $275 million deal from the Detroit Tigers before the lockout commenced, so the amount of money is certainly a motivator.

It’s been said that Houston isn’t willing to spend that much for that long to keep Correa, so the Astros will likely be looking to replace Correa at shortstop. Could that replacement be Trevor Story, a Texas native who has seen his time with the Colorado Rockies come to an end? It’s a less expensive possibility and could be Houston’s move once Correa makes his decision or the Astros know for certain they are out of the race to retain him.