(SportsRadio 610) - Free agent shortstop Carlos Correa and former Astros manager A.J. Hinch were photographed having breakfast together Thursday in Houston, driving more speculation about which team will sign the 27-year-old superstar.
Hinch, who was Correa's manager with the Astros from 2015-19, is now managing the Detroit Tigers, who are willing to spend money and badly need a shortstop.
The Astros still consider themselves "competitive" to sign Correa, but have made clear they will focus on other ways to fill their needs this offseason. Houston signed Justin Verlander for another season on a $25-million deal, with a player option for the following season.
Houston is also believed to be in the running to sign center fielder Starling Marte.
But Correa is likely out the door. The question is where will he go. Could it be a reunion with his former manager in Detroit?
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Correa in 2021 led all Major League position players in WAR (7.2), immediately ahead of 2B Marcus Semien (7.1), who is also a free agent. He also upped his postseason RBI total to 59, which ranks sixth in MLB history and the most of any active player, surpassing Albert Pujols (54).
Correa is believed to be seeking a deal no less than his friend Francisco Lindor's $341 million over 10 years with the New York Mets.
So this one is probably going to the highest bidder, which definitely won't be the Astros, but could be the Tigers.
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