'I’m forever grateful for everything': Correa's future with Houston Astros unclear following 2021 season finale

Emotions were running high during the Houston Astros' 2021 season finale – a 7-6 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Oct. 3.

Many speculate that shortstop Carlos Correa may have played his last regular season game for the team that nabbed him with the top pick in the 2012 MLB Draft, according to MLB.

Correa, who was one of the key components of the Astros' 2017 World Series championship team, bagged his career-high 26th home run of the season. He was benched at the top of the ninth and given a rousing ovation from fans and teammates. 

"He earned that and deserved that. He and the crowd are one. They grew up together with Carlos. And Carlos grew up with them," Astros manager Dusty Baker told MLB. "Carlos is a big part of this town and a huge part of the organization."

In the eighth inning, for his final bat of the regular season, Correa hit an opposite-field homer to right, his 26th of the season and a career best.

"It was a very emotional day," Correa told MLB. "It was a 2 o’clock game and I showed up early to the ballpark, soaking it all in and going out there and feeling every single second, every single moment. They told me to go out first. I usually go out last and they were pushing me to go out first. They wanted me to go first for a reason. I went out and they stayed behind, and it obviously meant a lot to me, just the way my teammates treated me and take care of me and how much I respect them and the love they have for me."

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft and 2015 AL Rookie of the Year Award winner, Correa has helped guide the Astros to six postseason berths in the last seven years.

"It’s my second home, and they made me feel right at home," he told MLB. "Whenever I go out to the mall, whenever I go out to eat or watch a movie or whenever they see me walking on the street, they show their love and support, and that means a lot to me and my family. I’m forever grateful for everything and every moment we share together."

The Astros currently haven't been able to hammer out a deal with Correa that could keep him in Houston for the rest of his career.

Correa is expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason.