Astros: Not in talks of an extension with Correa

On Monday, Carlos Correa told a group of reporters that he is not in talks of an extension with the Houston Astros. The shortstop does not sound worried about entering free agency either, since he wants to return to Houston.

The 2021-22 free agency class will be even more of an issue moving forward for the Astros, as Justin Verlander, Lance McCullers Jr. and Zack Greinke will also be among the pool of possible losses. It would behoove the front office to lock up Correa now, before he can test the waters as one of the only shortstops with the ability to play third base as well.

The Houston Astros and Carlos Correa are not in talks of an extension.

Although having a down year at the plate during the 2020 regular season, Correa excelled in the field as one of the most efficient shortstops in the American League. While being snubbed of a Gold Glove award, the right-hander posted a fielding percentage of .995, which was the highest at shortstop in 2020.

While hitting .264/.326/.383 at the plate, Correa seemed to turn it around in the postseason, as his OPS was way over the 1.000 mark. This looked to be an issue of the Astros’ shortstop, but after nursing an injury the year before, we can tell that Correa will be back in All-Star form in 2021.

Not being in contact with the front office could look like an issue moving forward, but the Astros did settle a paycheck before heading to arbitration with the Correa earlier this month. This shows a great deal of communication between the two although not in talks of an extension just yet. Correa hasn’t spoken with the Astros front office since their case was settled.

While not being upset about the overall talks, the Astros still have a chance of extending the one-time All-Star before he possibly evaluates free agency or puts up better numbers in 2021. Dusty Baker also commented on Correa and Jose Altuve’s work ethic by saying they “showed up ready to go,” which means a lot for two guys that hit rough patches this past year.

Correa also spoke on Yordan Alvarez’s status after injury by saying he “looks really sexy.” He thinks he will once again impress many people during his 2021 campaign. The 2019 AL Rookie of the Year only played two games during 2020 due to knee injuries.