What a Carlos Correa Return Would Mean For The Astros

One thing that analytics can’t define is leadership and what a veteran presence brings to the clubhouse.

There are no numbers to quantify team chemistry.

One need only look at the San Diego Padres from last year to show how talent can’t combat an abrasive dysfunctional work environment where players don’t get along and don’t want to play for each other.

Correa took the brunt of the hate on his shoulders from the Astros 2017 sign stealing scandal and he did it on purpose. He knew he could handle it and having someone like that on your team with that kind of mental toughness can only rub off on other guys.

Correa has displayed leadership moments over and over again. Astro fans remember how he calmed Framber Valdez down in game six of the 2020 ALCS.

Yandy Diaz tried to rattle Valdez by yelling at him after taking a breaking ball down for a walk. Correa went over and confronted Diaz, then went to Framber, gave him a pep talk and pounded him on the chest to pump him up. Valdez proceeded to get a double play ball to get the Astros out of the inning.

Another moment of leadership from Correa came in game four of the 2021 ALDS after Jake Meyers slammed into the center field wall and wanted to stay in the game despite pain in his shoulder. Correa ran out to center field and told him if he’s not 100% he’s hurting the team, not helping it so don’t be a tough guy. If you’re hurt, come out. Meyers listened and the Astros won.

These are the things that would come back to the Astros and be a huge boost for the mentality of the team as they try and win another World Series.