Correa believes his value 'has gone up,' unsure Astros will meet price

It seems that Carlos Correa won't be suiting up for the Houston Astros in 2022.

Correa is apparently expecting to leave Houston this offseason after the team ceased contract negotiations with him earlier this year, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC. The Astros reportedly offered the two-time All-Star extensions worth $120 million and $125 million, which Correa rejected.

"It was like, 'Take it or leave it; this is what we've got,'" Correa said. "And now my value has gone up.

"If they didn't want to meet my price in spring training, now that I led the league in WAR at 7.2 and I'm in the playoffs helping the team, I don't know if they'll meet my price now."

The 27-year-old will be eligible for free agency this winter for the first time in his career. He's likely to be tendered a one-year qualifying offer, which will reportedly be valued at $18.4 million. Correa would probably reject the offer and be attached to draft-pick compensation. However, the impending expiration of the collective bargaining agreement could impact that system.

Correa hit .279/.366/.485 with 26 homers this year. He's also been integral to Houston's postseason success, going 5-for-13 with two doubles and four RBIs.

"I like where I'm at right now," Correa added. "I led the league in WAR for Baseball Reference, led the league in defensive WAR, and had a great offensive year. So, when you talk about shortstops that can do both things at an elite level, I think you should mention my name."

Correa is poised to headline a star-studded free-agent class of shortstops that will also feature Corey Seager, Trevor Story, Marcus Semien, and Javier Baez.