Astros get worst-case news for Carlos Correa's potential return

Houston Astros infielder Carlos Correa. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Astros get worst-case news for Carlos Correa's potential return

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 15, 2026 6:40 PM ET

The reunion between the Houston Astros and infielder Carlos Correa has not quite gone according to plan.

Correa had excellent success (.290 average, six home runs) after being acquired by Houston ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline, but the Astros did not make the postseason.

Correa was hoping to be a major part of Houston's success this season, but an injury in early May halted that, and just when it seemed like Correa was expected to soon return, an announcement Monday put those plans to rest.

Carlos Correa will not return this season

According to Astros manager Joe Espada, Correa will not be returning to the field this season. Correa had ankle surgery in May, and the team was hopeful he'd be able to return.

It ultimately turned into a situation of Correa not having enough time to complete the proper rehab assignments with the minor league season coming to an end.

Carlos Correa did not suffer a setback or any reoccurrence of an injury. Joe Espada said the daily workload and recovery just became too much for Correa to handle. https://t.co/T7E69lRAxH
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) September 15, 2026

What will Carlos Correa's role be in 2027?

If the Astros decide to pick up a club option for third baseman Isaac Paredes in 2027, the left side of the infield will be occupied by Paredes and shortstop Jeremy Pena.

Shift over to the right side of the infield and that will be occupied by Jose Altuve and Christian Walker. There was discussion of Correa returning this season as a second baseman, but that ultimately won't come to fruition this season.

Houston figuring out how to get Correa on the field and in the lineup next season will be an interesting thing to watch out for. The simplest path is to decline Paredes' player option and put Correa at third base. If that isn't done, though, it will be fascinating to see what happens with Correa in Houston for the remainder of his contract.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

More must-reads: