Colorado Rockies rumors: Trevor Story a fit for the Houston Astros?

DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Trevor Story #27 of the Colorado Rockies throws to first for an out during the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Coors Field on July 1, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Trevor Story #27 of the Colorado Rockies throws to first for an out during the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Coors Field on July 1, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

All-Star shortstop Trevor Story has already received a qualifying offer from the Colorado Rockies, but the chances he returns to the franchise remain incredibly low. Could a domino effect set up Story to head to the Houston Astros?

Here’s why Trevor Story heading from the Colorado Rockies to the Houston Astros makes sense

The Astros have reportedly offered their own shortstop, Carlos Correa, a five-year, $160 million deal as the offseason has officially begun. It’s expected that Correa, the former top overall pick by the Astros in the 2012 MLB draft, will turn down the offer and explore what other teams are willing to spend to bring him on board.

Houston has also sent a qualifying offer to Correa (one year, $18.4 million) to ensure that, if he departs, the Astros at least receive a draft pick as compensation.

With Correa potentially leaving the Astros, does that open a hole that Story could fit nicely into? It’s one of the thoughts in this MLB.com article, and it makes sense why.

Story told us in early October the things he was looking for in his next franchise home, and many of them don’t sound like they fit the Colorado Rockies. Among them are a team that is built to win (which the Astros certainly are, coming off their second American League championship in the last three seasons). Also among Story’s reason is “geography,” a nod perhaps to Story’s roots in Texas (he was born in the Dallas suburbs), meaning a return to the Lone Star State might be appealing.

Correa’s contract offer could help establish a baseline for what a very deep shortstop free agent class is expected to pull in this offseason. Of course, with a work stoppage looming and a new Collective Bargaining Agreement nowhere near completion before the current one’s December 1 expiration date, much is still up in the air about what teams are willing to spend until everything is in place.

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If Correa leaves in free agency, don’t be surprised to see the Astros pivot their focus toward Story.