In a startling reunion brought about by injuries to their infield, the Houston Astros have agreed to bring back Carlos Correa, their 2015 Rookie Of the Year, 2017 World Series champion and three-time All-Star, the Astros announced July 31.
USA TODAY Sports reported a day before the deadline that the Astros had interest in bringing Correa back from the Minnesota Twins with the team sitting in first place in the American League West but having lost third baseman Isaac Paredes and shortstop Jeremy Peña to injuries in recent weeks.
It was Peña’s presence that prompted Houston to let Correa walk as a free agent in 2021, when he led the AL with 7.3 WAR and boosted the Astros to the ’21 World Series. Now, Correa says he will be moving to third base for the first time in his career, with Peña set to come off the injured list this weekend.
After leaving Houston, Correa twice signed with Minnesota, the second time inking a six-year, $200 million deal after failing physicals with the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets.
Now, he’s back with the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2012 – and teammates with Peña, the man who replaced him and should be back shortly from a rehab assignment.
He will come with some financial relief: The Twins are sending $33 million to the Astros to help offset the roughly $108 million left on Correa’s contract through 2028. The Twins will receive left-hander Matt Mikulski, a 26-year-old still in high Class A ball.
Carlos Correa trade details
The Astros will receive Carlos Correa and $33 million in the deal with the Twins, with Minnesota receiving 26-year-old Class A left-hander Matt Mikurski.
Carlos Correa stats
Correa was batting .267 with a .705 OPS, seven home runs and 31 RBIs in 93 games for the Twins this seaso.
Carlos Correa contract
Carlos Correa is making $37.3 million in 2025. After this season, Correa has three years and about $96.5 million remaining on the six-year, $200 million deal he signed with the Twins.