A reunion between Carlos Correa and the Houston Astros at the trade deadline seems unlikely, despite talks between the Astros and Minnesota Twins. According to reports from The Athletic’s Chandler Rome and Dan Hayes, the two teams have explored a possible trade involving the three-time All-Star shortstop, who began his career in Houston and was part of their 2017 World Series-winning squad. However, Correa has struggled to maintain that level of performance since signing with the Twins before the 2022 season, partly due to injuries.

Trade Challenges Due to Financial and Player Restrictions

Even though the trade discussions are ongoing, senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal expressed skepticism about the possibility of Correa returning to Houston during the Foul Territory podcast. He explained that any trade would require Correa’s consent because of his no-trade clause, and the Twins would likely need to assume a significant portion of his $33.3 million average annual salary through 2028. Rosenthal noted,

“It sure doesn’t sound to me like they’re locked in on a Correa trade,”

and highlighted the complexity involved in such a deal.

Dylan Cease Emerging as a More Feasible Acquisition for Astros

Rosenthal further suggested that a trade involving San Diego Padres pitcher Dylan Cease could be more feasible for the Astros than acquiring Correa. Cease, who could strengthen Houston’s pitching rotation alongside Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez, has been linked to the team in recent rumors.

“If I had to guess, I would say Dylan Cease [to Houston] is more likely than Correa,”

Rosenthal said, underscoring the Astros’ preference to improve their pitching staff over securing an expensive position player.

Other Twins and Astros Players Involved in Trade Deadline Speculation

The Twins remain a focal point at the trade deadline, with several of their players attracting interest from playoff-bound teams. Starting pitcher Joe Ryan and relievers Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and Danny Coulombe, as well as utility player Willi Castro, are all potential trade candidates. On Houston’s side, injury concerns loom large. Isaac Paredes, who would likely cover third base if Correa joined the team, is sidelined with a hamstring injury that might end his season, while All-Star shortstop Jeremy Pena is rehabbing a fractured left rib but may return soon from the minor leagues.

Owner Jim Crane’s Desire for Star Players Shapes Trade Strategy

Rosenthal also emphasized the influence of Astros owner Jim Crane in pursuing high-profile players, indicating that the team’s trade interest is driven by Crane’s preference for star talent.

“Jim Crane, the Astros owner, likes stars, and that’s what’s driving a lot of this,”

Rosenthal said. Despite this, the financial and contractual challenges involved with Correa make the team’s pursuit complicated, potentially steering the Astros toward other trade options like Cease.

Trade Deadline Outlook and What Fans Should Expect

While Houston fans may hope for a homecoming of Carlos Correa, the practical difficulties surrounding his contract and the Twins’ stance suggest that a reunion is improbable this trade deadline. Instead, the Astros appear more likely to bolster their rotation with prospects like Dylan Cease to address current needs. With key players injured and the trade market active, Houston’s maneuvers in the coming weeks will be crucial to their playoff ambitions as they balance roster reinforcement with financial and logistical realities.