BOSTON โ When Carlos Correa received news that the Minnesota Twins were shifting into rebuilding mode for the remainder of the season and perhaps beyond, he faced a decision. Known for his exceptional skill, Correa had a no-trade clause, but he quickly agreed to a trade back to the Houston Astrosโa place he once called home both personally and professionally.
His return to Houston came as the Astros faced the Boston Red Sox, with Correa expressing his willingness to make the move. โMy wife isnโt fond of the cold,โ Correa noted, reflecting on the practical benefits of having maintained their house in Houston. โWe have family and friends there, so the transition feels right. You never want to burn bridges in this game because the future is unpredictable.โ
Correa was the top pick in the 2012 amateur draft and took home the title of 2015 AL Rookie of the Year. He became a beloved figure in Houston, a crucial part of the group that elevated the Astros from underdogs to continuous contenders. During his seven-season stint with the team, Correa earned two All-Star selections and played a pivotal role in six playoff appearances, three American League championships, and the franchiseโs first World Series victory.
After signing with the Twins as a free agent in 2022, Correa once again earned an All-Star nod, though he made just one playoff appearance. As the Twins sank to fourth in the AL Central and ninth in the race for three wild-card spots, the organization decided to look toward the future, trading away valuable assets.
โFollowing my discussions with the front office in Minnesota, it became evident that the organizationโs direction no longer aligned with my goals,โ Correa explained. โWe came to a mutual agreement that moving forward with the trade was the best option for both parties.โ
Houston assembled a deal with Minnesota, sending minor-league pitcher Matt Mikulski in exchange for Correa and assuming $33 million of his contractโs remaining $100 million-plus. Second baseman Jose Altuve was among those excited about Correaโs return, confirming the news by text.
The Astros, who held a five-game lead over the Seattle Mariners in the AL West at the trade deadline, embraced additional reinforcements. They acquired outfielder Jesรบs Sรกnchez and minor league prospects Chase Jaworsky and Esmil Valencia. Sรกnchez promptly contributed in Friday nightโs game against Boston with two hits.
Correa, meanwhile, was held hitless in his four at-bats while debuting at third base. Traditionally a shortstop, with 1,186 games under his belt at that position in his major league career, Correa has some experience at third from his time with Puerto Rico during the World Baseball Classic. โIโll be dedicated to mastering third base,โ he remarked. โShortstop has become second nature to me, and this will be an exciting challenge.โ
Astros manager Joe Espada was in the middle of a movie with his children when the news of Correaโs return broke. โMy off day turned eventful,โ Espada recalled. โI abandoned the movie as my phone rang incessantly, but I cannot complain. The acquisitions unfolded rapidly, and I couldnโt be happier. It was a day full of excitement.โ