The Houston Astros caught everyone’s attention in MLB this week when we learned the team is open to dealing All-Star shortstop Carlos Correa. After reportedly engaging in talks with the New York Mets, those discussions have now fizzled.
According to SportsNet New York’s Andy Martino, both sides started discussing a potential blockbuster trade involving the star shortstop in November. The conversations carried over into in-person talks at the winter meetings, but the discussions ended before both teams left San Diego.
It’s not surprising to see the talks ended, for the time being, during one of the busiest times of each team’s offseason. Houston is still searching extensively for starting pitching and bullpen help, while the Mets were also involved in discussions for Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Starling Marte.
New York might be prioritizing addressing its pressing need in the outfield and focusing its effort on Pittsburgh’s All-Star center fielder. The Pirates are already committed to rebuilding, which makes a trade for Marte far likelier than the reigning AL champions trading Correa.
Both sides could always revisit talks later in the offseason when other needs on the roster are addressed. For now, though, it appears Correa will remain with the Astros for the foreseeable future.