Astros Rumors: Houston talking to Carlos Correa about extension

The Astros and Carlos Correa have mutual interest in completing a deal.

Carlos Correa has made it clear that he wants to play with the Houston Astros “for life.” But what has not been made clear, however, is how the Astros have felt about re-signing Correa.

Until now.

Speaking to reporters, Astros general manager James Click said the team is “obviously very open to it” and indicated that the two sides have had talks about an extension. He said those talks are expected to continue.

Retaining Correa, a franchise cornerstone at shortstop, should be the Astros’ No. 1 priority. He is a game changing talent and has been a driving force behind the team’s recent postseason dominance. Considering that he is in his mid-20s and entering the prime of his career, not only is he a foundational piece moving forward, but the team can also use him as their top selling point in recruiting free agents in the future.

Correa is an invaluable resource for the team moving forward, and the team can ill afford to let him hit the free agent market. The team should not hand a blank check to Correa, of course. But retaining him might mean that Click and the front office needs to get outside of its comfort zone and be prepared to offer $300 million to ensure Correa stays in Houston.

There is nothing believed to be imminent, and a model for a potential extension could come when Francisco Lindor inks his eventual extension with the New York Mets. Lindor, like Correa, is slated to hit the free-agent market after the 2021 season with a loaded shortstop class that also features Javier Baez and Trevor Story.

So, if the Astros do not retain Correa, they will have at least have options. The only one who comes close to matching his ability, however, is Lindor and it would be a stunner if he plays outside of New York for the next decade.

Which puts the pressure on the Astros to get a deal done with Correa. It takes two to tango in a negotiation like this, and both sides are interested in completing a deal. But whether it leads to a deal will be the biggest question surrounding the Astros this season.