The Minnesota Twins entered the 2023 season with big plans, signing Carlos Correa to a six-year deal and assembling a club-record $153 million payroll. Correa, a star infielder who was expected to be a cornerstone of the Twins' future, found himself at a crossroads as Minnesota's direction diverged from his own aspirations. The six-time All-Star recognized the need for change and sought an opportunity to return to the team where his career began, the Houston Astros.
Carlos Correa Opens Up On Astros Trade And Return Home originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Minnesota Twins entered the 2023 season with big plans, signing Carlos Correa to a six-year deal and assembling a club-record $153 million payroll.
However, the financial and competitive landscape shifted dramatically over the next two years, leading to a mutual agreement between Correa and the Twins to explore a trade.
Correa, a star infielder who was expected to be a cornerstone of the Twins' future, found himself at a crossroads as Minnesota's direction diverged from his own aspirations. The six-time All-Star recognized the need for change and sought an opportunity to return to the team where his career began, the Houston Astros.
In an interview with MLB.com, Correa told Brian McTaggart, "I let them know there was only one team I would allow that to happen." The Astros, who drafted Correa first overall in 2012, have been a significant part of his professional journey.
In interview with MLB. com, Correa says he’s happy to come home to the team where he started career. He said it was clear Minnesota wasn’t going in the direction he wanted and they agreed to find a trade.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) July 31, 2025
“I let them know there was only one team I would allow that to happen.”
Correa quickly became a key figure in Houston's golden era, earning American League Rookie of the Year honors in 2015 and a Gold Glove Award. Beyond his on-field success, he was a respected leader in the clubhouse, helping them navigate the fallout from the sign-stealing scandal in 2020 and 2021.
Now set to play third base for Houston, Correa's return represents a full-circle moment. He waived his no-trade clause to make the move happen, underscoring how much the opportunity to come home meant to him.
As the Astros prepare to integrate Correa back into their lineup, they gain a proven performer and leader as they continue to push for postseason success once again.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
