Correa wants extension, to be 'franchise player' with Astros

Carlos Correa's free agency is fast approaching, but he has no plans on leaving the Houston Astros anytime soon.

The star shortstop wants to sign a long-term extension with the Astros and ultimately finish his career with the club.

"I love this organization. I love the Astros. I would love to be an Astro for life," Correa told Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle.

He added: "This is where I got drafted. This is where I've played. This is where I've developed and grown as a man. Nothing would make me happier than to represent this organization and be a franchise player."

Astros general manager James Click said last week that the team and Correa have had discussions about an extension, according to Rome. Click said the sides mutually agreed to table those talks until after Correa's arbitration hearing next month.

The Astros drafted Correa with the No. 1 overall pick in 2012, and he reached the majors three years later. After winning American League Rookie of the Year honors in 2015, he blossomed into an All-Star and a key component of the franchise's recent run of success that's included five playoff berths and the 2017 World Series title.

Despite battling some injuries during the last few seasons, the 26-year-old has remained a consistent hitter, owning a lifetime .276/.353/.480 slash line with 107 homers, 397 RBIs, and 33 stolen bases. Only four shortstops have accrued more WAR than Correa since 2015, according to FanGraphs.

Correa is in his final year of arbitration eligibility before free agency. He filed for arbitration at $12.5 million, and the Astros countered at $9.75 million, according to Rome.

Correa made his desire to stay in Houston known only a few days after one of his longtime teammates, outfielder George Springer, reportedly agreed to a six-year, $150-million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.