Climbing Tal's Hill
Fansided

Correa won’t sign early long-term deal with Astros

By Andrew Gleinser

Apr 10, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) reacts after striking out with the bases loaded against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Houston 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) reacts after striking out with the bases loaded against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Houston 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Looking Ahead

Apr 12, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Houston Astros center fielder George Springer (left) and shortstop Carlos Correa (1) and second baseman Jose Altuve (27) laugh following the completion of the national anthem before a game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Houston Astros center fielder George Springer (left) and shortstop Carlos Correa (1) and second baseman Jose Altuve (27) laugh following the completion of the national anthem before a game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

This situation with Correa is just one piece of the larger puzzle for the Astros. When their young stars get close to free agency, will the team be willing and able to keep them? Dallas Keuchel is eligible for free agency after the 2018 season. Altuve is eligible after 2019. George Springer is eligible after 2020. Correa is eligible after 2021.

These players are all likely to cost a pretty penny, so the Astros will have to decide how much they’re willing to spend and who they’re willing to spend it on. Time will tell how the team plans to keep its core together.

Next: Altuve is on a pace to set a career-high strikeout mark.

Obviously, the team’s payroll will have to increase for even a portion of the core to remain intact. But with more young talent in the minor league system, the Astros don’t necessarily have to retain all their stars to remain competitive. Regardless, GM Jeff Luhnow and owner Jim Crane will be making some difficult decisions over the next few years about the future of the franchise.

***Statistics courtesy of Baseball-Reference***

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