Astros Reportedly Considering Trading Carlos Correa Due to Payroll Concerns

The Houston Astros are already dealing with the sign-stealing investigation, but things are about to get rough for the 2017 World Series Champions in terms of roster retention.

According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the Astros are considering trading shortstop Carlos Correa due to payroll limitations.

Rosenthal stresses that a trade won't come immediately at the Winter Meetings, but it could be a move they consider in the near future.

With the team locking in Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman for the foreseeable future and the contracts of Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke on the books for the next two seasons, Houston is going to be strapped for cash.

Correa is arbitration eligible for his third year in 2021 and becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2022. On top of that, George Springer hits the open market at the conclusion of the 2020 season. With not much much money to spend in hopes of avoiding a hefty luxury tax, trading Correa for a package of prospects is an intriguing move.

The 25-year-old shortstop had an injury-ravaged 2019 season, where he accumulated a .279 batting average and .926 OPS with 21 home runs and 59 RBI. In the postseason, Correa struggled, batting just .191, which pushed him down Houston's batting order.

While a Correa move is not expected to happen immediately, don't be surprised if a trade occurs down the line.