HOUSTON, Texas — The Houston Astros pulled off a stunning move ahead of the Major League Baseball trade deadline, acquiring shortstop Carlos Correa from the Minnesota Twins in a trade that reunites the star infielder with the team that drafted him. The deal, finalized just before the 6 p.m. ET deadline on Thursday, marks a dramatic homecoming for the former face of the franchise, though the full trade return remains undisclosed.
Correa, a three-time All-Star and 2017 World Series champion with Houston, returns to the Astros after spending the past three seasons with the Twins. The 30-year-old shortstop, known for his elite defense and postseason prowess, brings a familiar spark to a Houston lineup battered by injuries. The Astros, leading the American League West, aim to bolster their infield as they chase a ninth consecutive playoff appearance.
The trade addresses an urgent need at third base, where All-Star Isaac Paredes has been sidelined with a severe hamstring strain. With shortstop Jeremy Peña entrenched as a rising star, Correa is expected to shift to third base, a position he has never played professionally but has expressed willingness to embrace. His versatility and leadership in the clubhouse make him a natural fit for a team eyeing another deep postseason run.
Correa’s return to Houston carries emotional weight. Drafted No. 1 overall by the Astros in 2012, he blossomed into a cornerstone of their dynasty, helping lead the team to four division titles and three American League pennants. His departure in 2021, after signing a three-year, 5.3 million deal with Minnesota, left a void in Houston. Subsequent contracts with the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets fell through due to medical concerns, leading him back to the Twins on a six-year, $200 million deal. Correa waived his no-trade clause to facilitate this reunion, signaling his eagerness to return to the city where he still maintains an offseason home.
This season, Correa has struggled offensively, posting a .267 batting average with seven home runs and a .705 OPS over 93 games—below his career norms. However, his Gold Glove-caliber defense and ability to perform in high-stakes moments remain undeniable. Astros fans, buzzing with excitement on social media, see the trade as a gamble on Correa rediscovering his All-Star form in familiar surroundings.
The Astros, already nearing the competitive balance tax threshold, take on a significant financial commitment with Correa’s contract, which guarantees million through 2028, with vesting options through 2032. While the trade’s specifics remain under wraps, speculation swirls that the Twins may have absorbed a portion of Correa’s salary to finalize the deal.
Houston’s front office, led by general manager Dana Brown, continues to prioritize impact players to fortify the roster. The acquisition of Correa signals their all-in approach for another World Series title. As the Astros prepare for a weekend series in Boston, fans eagerly await details of the trade return and Correa’s first at-bat back in an Astros uniform.
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