The Houston Astros have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with All-Star shortstop Carlos Correa. Correa, who was the only remaining, unsigned arbitration-eligible player on the Astros roster signed for $11.7 million. He was seeking $12.5 million, but the team ha only offered $9.75 million.

“I’m happy that we were able to come to an agreement and avoid arbitration,” Correa said. “Arbitration is not a good process. I want to thank James Click (general manager), Jim Crane (owner), and my agent, Jon Rosen, for getting the deal done. I’m ready to play and represent the Houston Astros.”

Correa hit .264 in 58 games in the regular season with five home runs and 25 RBI during the 2020 season which was reduced to 60 games due to COVID-19. But his numbers improved significantly during the postseason where in 13 playoff games, Correa hit .362 with six homers and 17 RBI while posting a .766 slugging pct. and a 1.221 OPS. The Astros posted an 8-5 record during that span and fell one win shy of returning to the World Series.

Having the best defensive fielding shortstop in all of baseball in 2020 who made just one error in 212 total chances back was very important for the Astros after losing one of their clubhouse leaders in George Springer in free agency to the Toronto Blue Jays.

“Going through the arbitration process is necessary sometimes and it’s there for a reason,” said Astros GM James Click who was also able to convince free agent Michael Brantley to stay with the team. “But we’re all glad to have it behind us so we can focus on our top priority, which is getting out there to compete for a championship with Carlos and the rest of the team.”

The Astros begin playing Spring Training games later this month with their first game on February 27th against the Washington Nationals.