Astros to make new offer to Carlos Correa as ‘buzz’ for a return grows

The Houston is reportedly ready to submit a new offer to free agent All-Star Carlos Correa as excitement over a potential return grows among Astros players.

Just when it seemed Astros fans would have to accept the departure of Carlos Correa, the tide completely turned.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic added fuel to the fire of growing momentum around Correa’s return on Tuesday with news that Houston is getting ready to make a new offer to the star shortstop.

“Astros plan to make new offer to free-agent shortstop Carlos Correa shortly, source tells @TheAthletic,” Rosenthal tweeted. “His potential return is creating buzz in camp.”

Astros plan to make new offer to Carlos Correa

The buzz in camp refers to players getting ready for the delayed start of the 2022 season.

“Players can’t stop talking about it,” a source told Rosenthal.

Correa has been with the Astros for his whole career. They drafted him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2012 and brought him up through their system. He made his MLB debut in 2015 and won Rookie of the Year honors. In the seven years since he’s become one of the top shortstops in the game, garnering All-Star status twice along with a Gold Glove in 2021.

At just 26 years old, Correa entered free agency with his eye on a lucrative long-term deal and it looked like he might command a contract worth more than $300 million.

However, the market hasn’t necessarily developed the way Correa likely hoped it would. He reportedly rejected a sub-$300 million offer from the Tigers while the Yankees have given indications they’re not going to pursue a shortstop this offseason.

The window has now opened for Correa to return to Houston, whether on a one-year deal with an eye on testing the market next year, or something more substantial.