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Oct 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) runs to second base after hitting a double to start the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox in game four of the 2021 ALCS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 19, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) runs to second base after hitting a double to start the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox in game four of the 2021 ALCS at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Out of all the shortstops in the MLB today, Carlos Correa arguably ranks among the best of them. The 27-year-old won his first Gold Glove Award for his exploits in the 2021 season and features in a talented list of free agents for next season.
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Although his contract with the Houston Astros expired after this year’s World Series, the beaten finalists haven’t given up on re-signing Correa. However, they may have to make a much better offer than their current proposal.
Houston Astros face a tough test to re-sign Carlos Correa
During the 2021 season, Correa featured among the Astros’ most consistent players. In 148 regular season games, the 27-year-old scored 104 runs, of which 26 were home runs and drove in 92 RBI. He continued this form in the postseason, where he scored 10 runs, four home runs and nine RBI.
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Oct 15, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) congratulates second baseman Jose Altuve (27) after he scored against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning in game one of the 2021 ALCS at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
He is just as impressive on the field as he is at the plate, which his 7.2 WAR score indicates. For the 2021 season, Correa earned an annual salary of $11.7million through his one-year contract. Although the Astros’ $160million five-year contract gives the Puerto Rican a higher salary, it still feels like it will leave him feeling underpaid.
In fact, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Astros are keen on engaging with Correa to sign his future with the Astros. However, they will need to make a fresh offer involving more money as their proposed offer doesn’t seem to be strong enough.
Astros say they hope to keep the dialogue going with star free agent SS Carlos Correa. But to have any chance, they will need to start from scratch as the reported $160M, 5-year offer looked an awful lot like window dressing.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 10, 2021
The New York Yankees have a strong interest in Correa
Over the last few weeks, the 27-time World Series champions made their interest towards the 27-year-old apparent. While the Astros’ $160million is improved from his previous contracts, it could pale in comparison to what the Yankees offer him.
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Oct 31, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Atlanta Braves in game five of the 2021 World Series at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Correa made it clear in recent times that he wants more money. With the Yankees having one of the largest payrolls among all teams, it’s likely their offer will be better than the Astros. Hence, should the Astros want to retain their star shortstop, a higher offer must be on the table for the 27-year-old.
READ MORE: New York Yankees Make Promising Progress on Carlos Correa After Houston Astros Fallout
