I have my doubts. They could always offer him a long term deal and if he declines, trade him.
My hunch is yes. He’s proud to be an Astro. That may not be enough but he was outspoken in a way George never was.
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Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I think Correa has not agreed to a contract with the Astros since he was drafted in 2012. He forced them to renew his contract each year he was making the league minimum, and he has gone to an arbitration hearing every year since. I don’t think he is determined to leave, but he has clearly been trying to make a point that he’s done with discounts (recall he took much less than slot for the 1-1 pick when drafted).
I recall seeing somewhere that he said he would always test free agency. That doesn’t rule out re-signing him, but I’d be presently surprised if there were an extension before then.
My gut tells me Correa will not sign long term here. New York or LA. Remember he is represented by William Morris Agency.
See, for example, this 2017 statement from his then-agent:
“Carlos is never going to do an (early) multi-year contract”
Carlos later walked that statement back a few inches, saying that “The price has got to be right, you know what I mean?” I figure he’s going to test free agency and someone else is going to outbid Houston, but I also use pessimism as a defense mechanism.
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The thing to remember with Carlos is that he wants the attention (and I don’t necessarily mean that in a bad way). He wants to be the best player in baseball and to be acknowledged as such. Free agency is a massive marketing opportunity for a player. The coverage, speculation, fanbase fawning - all of it is worth a fortune to a player that wants to be a national brand. Even if he eventually re-signs with the Astros, I would expect it to only come after a long free agency process.
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The only way we sign Correa when he hits the market is if the dollars are not there for him because there aren’t enough teams wanting shortstops who are willing to pay big money. You have Lindor, Seager, Story, Baez and Correa as free agents next year. Most talking heads I have heard rate Correa fourth or fifth on that list. Are there enough teams looking for shortstops AND willing to spend the money all 5 of them want? Who knows, but if not, perhaps the price for Correa is low enough to be in the Astros range. The good thing is, Correa will be highly motivated to put up a great season in his walk year. Let’s hope he stays away from the massage tables.
What I don’t understand is why the Astros have said almost nothing through this offseason. How hard is it to explain that they really wanted Springer back, but he wanted to test the market? Or he didn’t fit into their plans because of their payroll and the luxury tax? Or they have players they believe can step up and plug the holes?
I’ve never seen a player of this magnitude leave with barely a whimper from the club.
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What good does talking to the media do? What did the club say to his agent is the question.
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I thought it was kind of a slap in the face to give his number to a rookie before he even signed anywhere else. There must have been a lot more going on behind the scenes than we know.
I thought that was just reflective of his $4mm signing bonus.
Same, I didn’t read that as having anything to do with Springer.
The number 4 allowed people to infer that Springer’s number is a available because it wont be needed by him.
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I don’t know what to believe any more!
Hahahaha, good news!
If Berman said it, I believe it. Good signing.
Wow. So great if true.
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Well this is certainly great and fantastic news!! He got more than I was thinking. I was thinking 2 at $28 but whatever. Now we need to solve the CF issue. Welcome back uncle Mike!!
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