Astros Solidify Roster With Return of Correa

Carlos Correa is officially back with the Astros. After leaving Houston in 2022, Correa returns during a down year—batting .267 with just 7 home runs, 31 RBIs, and a 3.6 drop in WAR compared to last season. The Astros acquired him in what many are calling a salary dump by the Minnesota Twins, who were still on the hook for three more years and $100 million. As part of the deal, Minnesota will cover $33 million of that remaining salary. In return, Houston sent only High-A pitcher Matt Mikulski.

Correa, who was a cornerstone of the Astros’ golden era, made it clear what his intentions are this time around: “I’m coming home and there’s only one goal in mind and that’s to win championships.”

The Astros also added infield depth by trading for Ramón Urías from the Baltimore Orioles. A 2022 Gold Glove winner, Urías offers versatility similar to Mauricio Dubón, capable of playing multiple positions. He comes in hitting .248 with 8 home runs and 34 RBIs. Houston gave up prospect Twine Palmer in the deal.

To round out their trade deadline moves, the Astros landed left-handed outfielder Jesús Sánchez from the Miami Marlins. Sánchez brings a .256 batting average along with 10 home runs and 36 RBIs. The Astros sent RHP Ryan Gusto, SS Chase Jaworsky, and CF Esmil Valencia to complete the trade.

And although the first series with this new-look lineup ended in a sweep at the hands of the Boston Red Sox, Houston bounced back to open their series with the Miami Marlins in a defiant 8–2 win—featuring RBI singles from both Correa and Sánchez. Both players showed promise during the Red Sox series as well, with Sánchez reaching base in every game via hit or walk, and Correa already notching his first home run since returning to the team. The Astros proceeded to follow up with another resounding 7–3 win— nearly every player recorded a hit, including home runs from Jose Altuve and Yainer Diaz.

These moves come as the Astros look to rebound from a tough 12–13 record in July. With the return of starting pitchers Spencer Arrighetti, J.P. France, Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier, and Lance McCullers Jr.—plus the eventual return of Yordan Alvarez—the team is positioning itself to return to World Series form.