Rumor: Astros preparing new offer for free agent Carlos Correa

Astros players at spring training can’t stop talking about a possible return of Carlos Correa.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported Tuesday that the Houston Astros were prepared to make a new offer to Carlos Correa, and there was buzz in training camp.

“Players can’t stop talking about it”, Rosenthal’s source said.

This will certainly get the rest of the baseball community talking as well, while teams like the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees and others have been centered on Correa since the lockout ended.

There were several reports since the restart of free agency that the Astros have re-engaged with Correa’s new agent, Scott Boras. However, it is unclear if the Astros were playing public relations games in regards to their handing of negotiations with Correa, looking to save face with fans should Correa sign somewhere else, for example.

Previously, the Astros reportedly offered a five-year, $160 million deal that seemed to just agitate Correa. The Platinum Glove recipient also received a  a 10-year, $275MM offer at one point this winter from the Detroit Tigers, a fully guaranteed deal with several opt-out options, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.

Just from an outside prospective, Correa seems to be intent on beating Corey Seager’s 10-year, $325 million dollar deal with the Texas Rangers, or something on par with Francisco Lindor’s $341 million guaranteed contract with the New York Mets.

The fact that Correa hasn’t signed a large, long-term deal might bode well for the Astros. Owner Jim Crane has shown that he is not willing to make those long-term, high-AAV contracts.

However, considering what Correa means to this team, the fans and his performance and talent level, Crane might be okay with an offer along the lines of a 6 year, $220+ million deal with opt-outs, performance bonuses and guarantees.

Marly Rivera of ESPN also reported that Astros players have been very vocal to the front office about bringing back Correa.