Astros: Carlos Correa wins first Gold Glove of his career

Carlos Correa wins first Gold Glove of his career for 2021 American League shortstops.

On Sunday, the Rawlings Gold Glove Award ceremony aired on ESPN, as Carlos Correa won the Gold Glove for shortstop in the American League. The former Houston Astros‘ infielder is anticipated to be the highest sought out free agent shortstop this winter.

Correa beat out J.P. Crawford of the Seattle Mariners, who won the award in 2020, and Andrelton Simmons of the Minnesota Twins, a four-time winner. Correa led all three shortstops in Defensive Runs Saved (21), as Simmons trailed at 14 DRS and Crawford at eight DRS.

In terms of defensive WAR this season, Baseball Reference had Correa leading all position players with 3 WAR. The 27-year-old played 148 games at shortstop this season ranking sixth in putouts (183), third in assists (384) and top 10 in double plays turned in Major League Baseball.

It is almost shocking that this Correa’s first Gold Glove Award, as the right-hander has had two seasons with 10 or more DRS in his career, but no other season compares to Correa’s ’21 fielding. His 21 DRS is the highest of his career, while his second highest came in 2018 (11 DRS).

Correa wasn’t even close to sniffing the top five in errors for shortstops across baseball with 11, while it is evident that his glove and his arm are major contributions to his future contract, not just his bat. He becomes the Astros first Gold Glove shortstop since Roger Metzger in 1973.

"“I’m so excited,” Correa said on ESPN with a huge smile. “It’s an award I’ve been trying to win ever since I got to the big leagues and the moment is finally here.”"

As reported by Jon Heyman, the Astros extended a qualifying offer to Correa before the Sunday deadline, and while he won’t be accepting it, it doesn’t come as a surprise. Correa is set to make a large sum of money this offseason, so if the two-time All-Star doesn’t re-sign in Houston, the Astros will receive a competitive balance pick.

Justin Verlander also received a qualifying offer, the Astros later announced. While he might not find $18.4 million from another team, he can also reject and the Astros would pick up two draft picks after the second round.

Tyler Ivey, Rafael Montero, Freudis Nova and Kent Emanuel were all activated from the 60-day injured list as well, with the 40-man roster now at 38 players.