Carlos Correa congratulated fellow Puerto Rico native and former teammate Carlos Beltrán on his Hall of Fame election and outlined his vision for the 2026 Astros during Saturday’s FanFest at Daikin Park.
Correa, who played alongside Beltrán during Houston’s 2017 World Series championship season, praised the newly elected Hall of Famer’s leadership and influence.
“I look at the way he did it back when I was playing with him, and I try to emulate a lot of things he did,” Correa said. “I was telling him how proud I was of everything he’s accomplished and how great of a role model he’s been for me.”
The 31-year-old is preparing for his first full season back with Houston since 2021 after being reacquired from the Twins in July. Correa said he has committed to becoming an elite defender at third base, taking ground balls four times per week this offseason—more than during his previous five winters combined.
Correa also discussed his expectations for the 2026 season following multiple offseason meetings with manager Joe Espada. He emphasized improved injury-prevention routines and a return to the Astros’ offensive identity.
“The key is going back to those years where it was deep counts and a lot of walks,” Correa said, referencing the team’s championship-era approach.
Houston missed the playoffs by one game in 2025, snapping its eight-year postseason streak. Correa believes better health and preparation will position the Astros to return to October baseball in 2026.
