Astros rumors: Martin Maldonado creates Carlos Correa buzz out of thin air

Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado creates more buzz around free agent shortstop Carlos Correa.

MLB is back after a 99-day lockout. Now, with the regular-season set to begin on Apr. 7, it is officially free agent frenzy time, as fans and media alike wait to see where the top free agents sign. One of the big-names on the open market is Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa.

On Friday night, Astros catcher Martin Maldonado decided to create some buzz, as he posted a photo of himself and Correa on Twitter with the caption reading “talking business.”

https://twitter.com/machete1224/status/1502447719457169410?s=21

Martin Maldonado creates Carlos Correa buzz with Twitter post

Before the Hot Stove season began last fall, the Astros reportedly made an offer to Correa before hitting free agency. It was a five-year deal worth $160 million, but Correa declined, opting to test out free agency.

Once the lockout ended, Astros owner Jim Crane told Mark Berman of Fox 26 that the team would circle back to Correa one more time. Whether that results in Correa returning to Houston remains to be seen.

Correa was linked to the Chicago Cubs, which seemingly took a hit when the team signed shortstop Andrelton Simmons to a one-year, $4 million contract. But Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic tweeted out that the Simmons signing won’t preclude the Cubs from pursuing Correa.

There are also the New York Yankees to look out for, as they received medical reports from Correa ahead of the lockout, per MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.

As has been the case throughout the offseason, we will keep you posted on any updates surrounding Correa, including where he ultimately signs.