Astros taking right step in relationship with Carlos Correa

Carlos Correa’s relationship with the Houston Astros might not be severed after all.

The offseason didn’t start out on the right foot with Correa and his employer, as it was mentioned in a report by Ken Rosenthal that Houston was shopping the All-Star shortstop, or at least willing to take calls on him. Houston nearly immediately denied the suggestion they’d trade Correa, and obviously he’s still a member of the team.

Repairing such a relationship depends on how the player takes said report, and how strongly and connected they feel with the organization to begin with. The Astros are the only franchise Correa has ever known. It’s the same team he won Rookie of the Year with, and where he added a World Series title to his resume. So, that familiarity helps. Money, also, doesn’t hurt matters, and that’s where the Astros covered their bases.

Astros avoid arbitration with Carlos Correa

As stated above by MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, while the Astros and Correa originally disagreed upon his compensation, they were eventually able to come to an agreement, even leaning in towards what the Houston star shortstop believes he’s worth. By doing so, owner Jim Crane put his wallet where his mouth is, realizing how badly the Astros need one of the faces of their franchise.

With the loss of George Springer already this offseason, the 2021 Astros will look a little different than their 2020 counterparts who made a surprising run to the ALCS before losing to the pennant-winning Tampa Bay Rays. But Correa, who played a vital role in that postseason run, and even established the team’s identity by refusing the give in to the standards placed upon them in the sign-stealing scandal, still has a part to play in Houston’s future.

As old fashioned as it sounds, building relationships — and in this case maintaining them — remains a part of the fabric of professional baseball. It’s, hopefully for Astros fans, what will keep Correa in Houston for a long time coming.