This wasn't the payoff pitch in the 9th, game on the line. But it was a pitch nonetheless from A.J. Hinch to Carlos Correa.
Hinch and Correa met for breakfast, which turned into lunch, Thursday in Houston as the Tigers ramp up their pursuit of the star free agent shortstop. They were also in contact with Correa's agent last week.
The two former Astros spent five seasons together in Houston and won three division titles, two AL pennants and the 2017 World Series. They could reunite in Detroit. When they sat down Thursday for breakfast, "the conversation was so good they stayed until lunch," according to Jeff Passan.
Chris Ilitch and the Tigers are ready to spend this winter -- they've already invested $77 million in Eduardo Rodriguez -- and shortstop is their biggest need. Add in the Hinch effect, and Correa feels like theirs to go get.
Passan does caution that Thursday's meeting "does not mean Correa is close to signing with Detroit."
"Lots of offseason," he adds.
But the Yankees are reportedly out of the running. The Astros are out of the running unless they significantly up their offer. The Phillies and Rangers should be watched closely, and never count out the teams from LA. There are darkhorses, too.
But in a race that's just beginning, it feels like Hinch and the Tigers have the inside lane.
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