Carlos Correa is returning to the Astros in a blockbuster trade with the Twins, a source told MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart on Thursday. The clubs have not confirmed the deal.
Correa — who will play third base for Houston, per a source — had to waive a no-trade clause in order to be dealt, but for the opportunity to go home, he was willing to do so. He was a World Series champion, a Gold Glover and the 2015 American League Rookie of the Year with the Astros.
It’s been a strange season for Correa, who as far as anyone knows is healthy but has been searching for his offensive form for much of the year. He got off to an extremely slow start, followed by a strong May (.875 OPS), a June slump (.682) and a recovery in July (.759). Correa has at times shown signs of being the impact player he was as recently as last year, he just hasn’t been consistent.
Still, as recently as 2024 he was one of the best players in baseball, and he remains highly regarded as a teammate and for his baseball savvy.
Correa, 30, seems to be fully recovered from the plantar fasciitis that plagued him in recent seasons. He missed time earlier this year due to a concussion he suffered when he collided with Byron Buxton, and he’s currently sidelined after experiencing a migraine on Tuesday night. He’s also dealt with a lingering wrist issue at times, but that has scarcely cost him any time.
Overall, though, he hasn’t looked like the same hitter for much of this year, with his power production well down and a career-low walk rate to boot. Correa remains sure-handed at shortstop, though his range is not what it once was, which makes the move to third base work, especially with Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes dealing with “a pretty significant injury” to his right hamstring.
With all of that said, he remained a key member of the Twins both on the field and in the clubhouse, and his name didn’t appear anywhere near trade rumors until his first Major League organization called about a reunion.
Correa is owed $96 million through 2028, with club options from 2029-2032.
