MLB rumors: Battle for Carlos Correa is deeply personal

With a battle between players and owners raging on, we shouldn’t lose sight of free agency, and specifically Carlos Correa.

Correa is the biggest name remaining on the free agent market, as he was when the offseason began. He was reportedly seeking a contract north of $300 million, which most teams didn’t balk at given a new CBA had yet to be agreed to.

Because of a mysterious back injury, Correa’s value may come down after the lockout. Should that be the case, expect teams like the Astros, who previously offered him a five-year contract worth near $160 million, to be back in the mix for their former shortstop.

Per Jon Heyman, the Astros and rival Dodgers have emerged as the top two suitors for Correa.

Carlos Correa rumors: Astros, Dodgers in the mix

If the Astros balk at Correa’s asking price again, expect the Dodgers to pounce. While they could just slide Trea Turner over to his natural position at short, why not replace Corey Seager with a better version of Corey Seager?

Correa is one of the best defensive shortstops in the game, and he backs that up with an outstanding plate presence. He can carry an entire team and city on his back.

Yet, after initially declining the Astros’ qualifying offer, Houston looks like the primary suitor for a player like Correa since the Yankees are unwilling to spend at this time. The Astros already brought back Justin Verlander in a surprising decision, and Correa now looks to have them in his final-2.

Perhaps Houston’s demise was overstated after all.