Report: Astros in market for elite SS
The Houston Astros intend to compete next season and are in the market for an elite starting shortstop, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.
Houston won its fifth division title in six seasons in 2021 and advanced to the World Series for the third time in the last five years. However, starting shortstop Carlos Correa and rotation stalwart Zack Greinke are free agents.
The Astros recently re-signed two-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander to a one-year, $25-million deal, which appeared to signal their intent to compete, but Correa remains unsigned despite the team's interest.
Astros owner Jim Crane said in October the Astros planned to make a run at re-signing Correa, but the 27-year-old reportedly turned down a five-year, $160-million extension after the season concluded.
Correa is apparently seeking a deal larger than the $341-million pact fellow shortstop Francisco Lindor signed with the New York Mets in April 2021.
Should the Astros opt for another shortstop in free agency, Corey Seager, Javier Baez, Trevor Story, and Marcus Semien are all available.