The Houston Astros are a week into the offseason, but the preparation for 2022 began weeks ago. The Astros are trying to get “into the mix” to re-sign top free agent shortstop Carlos Correa, but that does not seem to be the case from the outside looking in.
What We Know
The Astros took the initial step after the World Series to point out that this offseason’s priority was to bring back Correa. With a contract offer of five years, $160 million. This is a step up from the five years, $125 million offered to Correa before the start of the season. But, will this new offer be enough to keep Correa? Not likely!
The Astros are most certainly able to afford this high price type of contract, but the question is, do they want to? The Astros are known to offer contracts with a maximum of five years. Most recently, Lance McCullers Jr., with a contract of five years, $85 million. Although this new offer will pay Correa $35 million per year, more than Francisco Lindor and Manny Machado, many believe that the contract length is what Correa wants, similar to what Lindor and Machado received.
With that being said, are the Astros serious in trying to re-sign Correa, or are they just making it seem like they are and will let him walk just like they did with Gerrit Cole and George Springer? Astros general manager James Click was recently interviewed on MLB Network Radio, saying that the team’s number one priority this offseason was to bring back Correa, but also mentioned that if the team were unable to re-sign Correa, they would look internally to fill the shortstop position.
This would mean they would turn and look at Aledmys Diaz, Jeremy Pena, and even Pedro Leon to replace Correa. Diaz would be the top choice, most likely since Diaz is “more than qualified” at the position, according to Click. It is comments like this that make it seem like the Astros are willing to part with Correa.
Other Astros News
Outfielder Jake Meyers had surgery on his left shoulder on Wednesday to repair a labral tear. Meyers sustained the injury colliding into the wall in game four of the ALDS against the Chicago White Sox. Meyers is expected to miss Opening Day in 2022. The Astros may be looking to add some depth this offseason to their outfield with this recent news.
Third baseman Alex Bregman shared a picture from his Instagram earlier this week after having surgery on his right wrist. This injury news could shed some light on his struggles during the postseason. The surgery will delay Bregman’s offseason routine, but he is expected to resume activities in January and be ready for Spring Training.
Former Astros ace pitcher Justin Verlander threw in a showcase for teams earlier this week. Verlander looked good, managing to hit 96-97 mph on his fastball. The Astros are hoping to re-sign Verlander as they have extended a qualifying offer of $18.4 million. Verlander has until November 17 to either accept or reject the offer.
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