One reason each MLB team can win the World Series in 2017

Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; (from left to right) Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and center fielder Dexter Fowler and third baseman Kris Bryant and right fielder Jason Heyward celebrate during their World Series parade outside of Wrigley Field on Addison Street. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 26, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) hits an RBI single during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston Astros: Carlos Correa takes the next step to superstardom

The Astros are already a trendy pick to contend for the World Series next season after a well-executed offseason plan that saw them land Brian McCann, Josh Reddick, Carlos Beltran, and Charlie Morton. Those names grab headlines, but if you dig deeper, they really may just be marginal upgrades over what was already on the team that missed the playoffs last year. The Astros spent big, and still have a strong, deep offense and a rotation with more questions than answers.

The offense for the Astros last year flowed through Jose Altuve, who enjoyed one of the finest seasons ever by a second baseman and won his second batting title. Greatness has become commonplace with Altuve, but the Astros are still waiting for real greatness from Carlos Correa, who was anointed an MVP candidate prior to last season, and did not live up to those lofty (albeit unfair) expectations.

In his age-21 season, Correa hit 20 home runs in 153 games with 96 RBIs and a .274/.361/.451 line. While incredible numbers for his age, these totals were a slight drop from the numbers he posted in only 99 games in 2015. Having just turned 22 in September of last season, the future is still incredibly bright for Correa.

For the Astros to win the World Series, Correa will have to play like the star he is destined to eventually become. Getting MVP-level production from their shortstop, not mid-level production from Beltran, McCann, and Reddick is ultimately what will put the Astros over the top, past the Texas Rangers for the division title, and on their way to the World Series.

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