Report: Houston Astros Coming for MN Twins Carlos Correa

The Minnesota Twins are open for business and have already made a move in trading starter Chris Paddack to the Detroit Tigers. It is expected they will move more impending free agents prior to Thursday’s MLB Trade Deadline.

Things get trickier for opposing teams when calling on Minnesota’s controllable talent. Jhoan Duran, Griffin Jax, and even Joe Ryan are all available for the right price. That price is going to be steep.

What was seemingly unexpected would be a move including shortstop Carlos Correa. He has a no trade clause and a gaudy contract. The Houston Astros present an intriguing opportunity, however.

Minnesota Twins talking Carlos Correa with Houston Astros

Carlos Correa signed a six-year deal for $200 million with the Minnesota Twins prior to the 2023 season. It was a massive move that took two teams retracting offers in order to come together. The only other franchise he has ever known is Houston, and USA Today’s Bob Nightengale is reporting that both sides would be open to a reunion.

“The Astros, a high-ranking executive told USA TODAY Sports, are exploring the possibility of acquiring Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa or St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, while also remaining engaged with the Arizona Diamondbacks for All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suárez. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity since trade talks are ongoing.

The possibility of Correa’s potential return is fascinating considering he was a homegrown product, and led the Astros to four division titles, three pennants and a World Series title. The Astros offered him a five-year, $160 million as a free agent after the 2021 season, but he departed for the Minnesota Twins.

Correa, 30, still has $103.5 million remaining on his contract through 2028 with four club options. He also has a full no-trade clause. Yet, he has told friends that he would be willing to waive his no-trade for the opportunity to return to Houston, where he and his family still reside in the offseason. The Astros surely would demand the Twins to pay a significant portion of the contract in trade talks.”

Bob Nightengale – USA Today

Of those mentioned, only Suarez is an impending free agent. Arenado is under contract through 2027, and Correa’s deal runs through 2028. Houston has familiarity with the Minnesota Twins shortstop, and he would likely be welcomed back with open arms.

On the Twins side of things, it’s a possible opportunity to end a deal that hasn’t lived up to expectations. Correa has suffered through plantar fasciitis in parts of two seasons, and he is in the midst of the worst year of his career.

Through 92 games this season Correa is batting just .265/.317/.384 (92 OPS+) with seven home runs. His defense is still exceptional at shortstop, but any ability to slug at the plate has all but disappeared. Over the course of his current contract, Correa has slashed just .262/.335/.427 and played in 313 games.

Related: Twins Reliever Fakes Out Trade Watchers (Video)

A transaction with Houston would be jarring given the headlining nature that Correa represents for Minnesota. If the front office wants to move his contract and shake up the core though, there is virtually no more substantial way to do so.

How much do Minnesota Twins have to pay?

Right now Carlos Correa has negative trade value. He is owed the rest of his $37.33 million this season and roughly $97 million through 2028. He also has four team option years, though they are unlikely to be picked up.

Given his production, injury issues, and aging process, the Houston Astros aren’t going to take on all of that money even if it’s a fun reunion for someone that brought them a World Series ring. How much the MN Twins have to pay to move him at all would be interesting. Beyond that, if they want to generate any real return in prospect capital, it will cost even more.

Related: Top Contenders Blowing MN Twins Up Over Trade Assets

Things get crazy at the trade deadline, and this would be up there. Minnesota would need to convince themselves buying out of a bad contract is worth the message it may send to the clubhouse, fanbase, and potential future free agents. The Athletic writers from both locales, Dan Hayes (Minnesota) and Chandler Rome (Houston), combined to provide some context.

“Though the Twins are enamored with Correa, believing he’s a difference-maker on the field, the team’s financial picture has changed drastically in the 30 months since he signed his six-year deal. The club has been up for sale since October, which is limiting how much the team can spend on players. Correa’s salary represents 25 percent of the Twins’ current $141 million payroll.”

The Athletic

Moving Correa would be something ownership certainly can get behind while looking to sell the team. How much flexibility the change in payroll would generate for 2026 is a factor as well. This is definitely something to watch.