The Detroit Tigers' 2021 campaign isn't over yet, but it appears they already have their eyes on a future addition.
Detroit is interested in signing Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa this offseason, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch vowed in August to re-establish the club as a "winning franchise" when asked about the organization pursuing free agents this offseason.
Hinch managed Correa with the Astros from 2015-19, and the Tigers have a clear need at the position. Harold Castro, Niko Goodrum, and Zack Short combined for 0.3 WAR at shortstop for Detroit this season, according to FanGraphs.
Correa will be a part of an impressive free-agent shortstop class that includes Trevor Story, Corey Seager, and Javier Baez. Marcus Semien, who played shortstop for most of his career before spending the majority of this season at second base, will also be available.
The 27-year-old Correa is in the midst of a terrific 2021 campaign, hitting .277/.363/.480 with a career-high 25 home runs for the AL West-winning Astros. His 5.5 fWAR and 20 defensive runs saved are also tops among American League players at his position.
Correa, a two-time All-Star and 2015 AL Rookie of the Year, has spent all seven seasons of his big-league career with the Astros. He won a World Series with the team in 2017.
