As if Houston Astros fans needed more than one reason to anticipate the team’s series with the New York Mets next summer, they received another early Wednesday morning.
Less than 24 hours after former Astros ace and three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander has been publicly presented by the Mets, the club caused a stir with a player who was once beloved in Houston. Former Astros shortstop Carlos Correa is set to join Verlander in New York on a 12-year, $315 million deal, according to a report by MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.
It was originally reported last week by multiple outlets that Correa had signed a record-breaking, 13-year, $350 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. Correa was to be introduced by the Giants on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press, but a heist appeared during his medical examination. According to the AP report, “Media availability was scheduled for 11:00 a.m. PST at Oracle Park, but was canceled approximately three hours before it was scheduled. The Giants have not explained why.”
Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi released the following statement late Wednesday morning: “While we are prohibited from disclosing confidential medical information, such as [Correa’s agent] Scott Boras has publicly stated that there was a difference of opinion over the results of Carlos’ physical examination. We wish Carlos the best.”
Now, it looks like the 2015 Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Star is heading to New York, where he’ll join a team that hasn’t been afraid to make it through this offseason. In addition to signing Verlander to a two-year, $86.7 million deal earlier this month, the Mets re-signed two of their top 2022 contributors, relief pitcher Adam Ottavino and center fielder Brandon. Nimmo, among other moves.
Luckily for the Astros, they seem to be doing well in the absence of their former shortstop. They proceeded to win the commissioner’s trophy in the first year after Correa signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Twins, along with his replacement – the rookie phenom Jeremy Pena– earning ALCS and World Series MVP honors.
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