Astros: Why ignoring Carlos Correa’s market is the right move

Carlos Correa is due to make near $300 million this offseason — or at least those are the numbers his camp is leaking. Should the Astros bite?

Thus far, Houston hasn’t been willing to meet those expectations. Jim Crane made several offers to Correa during the regular season, but they either didn’t contain the financial expectations he was seeking or the length of the deal was subpar.

Frankly, he can do better on the free agent market.

So, expect Correa to head elsewhere, to a team that values his play and can afford to pay him what he’s worth.

Carlos Correa rumors: Silence on the Astros front

The Astros are staying put on their latest contract offer until Correa comes down on his asking price and meets them halfway. Houston’s last known offer was for five years and $160 million.

Not signing Correa wouldn’t be the worst option for Houston, especially considering how many available shortstops are on the free agent market. The Astros could let Correa walk, and still sign an elite shortstop such as Trevor Story, Corey Seager, or even Marcus Semien. That’s why they upped the ante for Justin Verlander, even though it may impact their available money to sign Correa.

In the end, the Astros have too many holes to focus solely on shortstop. Signing Verlander takes care of some starting pitching needs. Meanwhile, Correa is far more likely to sign with the likes of the Detroit Tigers or Texas Rangers, rather than Houston, for the time being.