About two years ago, the Houston Astros offered Carlos Correa a five-year, $160 million contract to stay in Houston. He refused.
But ultimately, he signed a three-year deal in Minnesota with option years. He became a free agent again a year ago before signing with San Francisco, New York and Minnesota.
Now here he is (for good) with the Twins on a six-year, $200 million contract (with option years thereafter), which is less than San Francisco’s $350 million and $315 million. from New York.
He did well in 2022 with the Twins, but his replacement was also good. Jeremy Pena progressed well in his rookie season and was named MVP in both the Championship Series and the World Series.
A year ago, no one – or almost no one – missed Correa among the fans. The players would still have liked to have him in the club, but Pena had taken his place as a good impact player.
This season? Pena was less good, but so was Correa. His free agent process probably played on his mind a bit. The Astros shouldn’t say to themselves that they were missing out on something.
But in recent days, the discourse may have changed. After all, even if Pena was good against the Twins (Correa) in the playoffs, he has really been invisible for a few days.
We can blame Correa for many things, but in the playoffs, he always stood up. This season again, he was excellent for the Twins in October.
During games #5 and #6 of the series against the Rangers, Pena did not finish the duel. He was replaced in favor of a backup hitter when the club needed a hit.
It’s not ideal with his starting shortstop, who hits eighth in the batting lineup by Dusty Baker.
Will he be able to make a difference tonight? After all, in a Game #7 with a place in the World Series at stake, the Astros (who are struggling at home) will have to give everything.
And without asking Pena to become the 2022 playoff MVP again, he still needs to be able to place the ball in a safe place.
