MLB rumors: Do Astros already have a Carlos Correa backup plan?

The Houston Astros seem to have given up on re-signing Carlos Correa, given his flirtation with several contenders in free agency. Do they have a backup plan?

Correa could receive a deal close to $30 million per season, and up to a five-to-six year contract. That’s…a lot of money, but such is the case when you’re at the top of the shortstop class.

MLB teams have a lot of money to spend as they wait for an update on CBA talks. Hell, Noah Syndergaard got $21 million from the Angels on a one-year deal. Correa is due far more than that, and can make a greater everyday impact.

Carlos Correa rumors: Astros have replacement in mind?

Correa’s market value is just under $27 million per year, and while the Astros aren’t willing to go THAT high, they will spend for a necessary replacement. Houston made the World Series last season for a reason.

Moving on from George Springer last offseason was a tough pill to swallow for fans. Doing so again for Correa will be even tougher, but thankfully the shortstop market is deep this winter.

Two players that jump out as potential Correa replacements are Trevor Story and Marcus Semien.

Story is younger and has plenty of potential, but is coming off a down year. Semien has a tremendous amount of power, but is four years older than Correa. Still the Astros could sign Semien to a short-term deal while awaiting the arrival of Pedro Leon and/or Jeremy Pena, both of whom are currently in the farm system.

Semien makes the most sense, as the short-term hit to finances would give the Astros a better chance to win now, and also groom their shortstop of the future.