HOUSTONOn Monday, Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa returned to Daikin Park.
However, Bregman was in the ballpark for the first time as a visitor after signing with the Boston Red Sox this offseason, while Correa was making his victorious return home following the recent blockbuster trade that brought him back to the Houston Astros from the Minnesota Twins. The teams will begin a three-game series on Monday.
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Houston manager Joe Espada stated, “That adds an extra little bit of what it’s going to mean for our fans.” What both players have done for this organization is amazing, isn’t it? One of the greatest players to ever wear this uniform is Bregman. Now that Carlos is back, he will enter the game and help us win the division. This place is going to be electrifying.
After being selected second overall by the Astros in the 2015 MLB Draft, Bregman played his first nine seasons in Houston, where he helped the team earn eight postseason berths, including two championships, four World Series appearances, and seven trips to the AL Championship Series. In addition to winning a Gold Glove the previous season and a Silver Slugger Award in 2019 after finishing second in the AL MVP voting, the third baseman was chosen an All-Star thrice in Houston.
The question of why they both returned to Houston on the same day was posed to Bregman.
“It looks like he’s fit right back in,” Bregman said, “and I was shocked at the news during the trade deadline. It was awesome.” He is an excellent teammate, leader, and player. We’re going to give it our best attempt today, but it’s always hard to compete against him since he’s so excellent.
After playing for the Twins since 2022, Correa has returned to Houston after waiving his no-trade clause. After being selected first overall in the 2012 draft, he played his first eight seasons with the Astros, often working with Bregman to turn the team from a league laughingstock to a consistent contender. He started Monday hitting and has performed admirably in the nine games since the deal.405 with 15 hits, six RBIs, and two home runs.
After four years away, he said it’s strange to be back on the squad where his career started.
This is my second opportunity to return here and don this uniform, and I will never take it for granted, he remarked. Every single day that I go out there, I’m going to give it my all.
After returning to the Astros and switching to third base after playing shortstop his whole career, Correa, who has been hindered by injuries in recent years, said he feels rejuvenated.
“I feel like my legs are much fresher because I don’t get as tired being at third base,” he remarked.
Bregman, who played third base for years in Houston while Correa was at shortstop, is certain that he will succeed in his new role.
Bregman replied, “He’s going to do great over there.” He has an amazing arm. Because of his excellent arm and ability to make a fantastic transition, we used to say that if he caught the ball, the player was out. Since he won a Platinum Glove at shortstop, he should have no trouble at third base.
Bregman acknowledged that Monday would be emotional because of all the memories he built here, even though he just played the Astros in Boston when the Red Sox swept a three-game series. He talked about the things from his time in Houston that most stood out to him.
“I would say the championships and just witnessing the city’s resilience and unity in difficult times,” he remarked. And the people are fantastic—my teammates, the coaches, everything, the clubhouse memories, the daily grind of trying to win a baseball game, and everything else—it was enjoyable for us.
Correa, for his part, is enjoying every second of rejoining the club. Reuniting with second baseman and good buddy Jose Altuve is the highlight, he said.
“I told him I missed him and gave him a big hug as soon as I got to Boston,” Correa added. He is a fantastic player, but on the plus side, I get to hang out with him and we go out to eat after the games and just chat. I’m not going to take it for granted because it’s something I definitely missed a lot and I get to do it again.
Altuve feels the same way.
“I’m so happy he’s back,” he said. We’re all thrilled about him, and I had a great time playing with him. I’m looking forward to playing with him once more.
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Link: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb AP MLB
