#1 Priority: The Astros can afford Correa! + Taxes, GM Responsibility

https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/payroll/

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/11/state-tax-departments-set-their-sights-on-pro-athletes-earnings-.html

This is sort of a multi-prong post covering a few different topics, but these are some important notes that I think should be pointed out.

First off, very important- the payroll for 2022, the Astros are currently 11th in overall player salary spending. The Yankees will be FAR AHEAD in spending obligations in first place. We are lucky that Jim Crane has never been an owner unwilling to spend on high quality assets, and with Verlander possibly leaving the team, there is plenty of room to give Carlos Correa a 10 year deal that he seems to be after. A long-term deal would help lock down our guys in the infield, and essentially keep the band together for many years to come just like the Yankees have done in the past with their own treasured guys. Nothing is more important then keeping these guys together and it should be the Astros top priority.

Second, would be the tax bonus. The Astros can slightly more competitive on pay because of the income taxes that a player would have to pay in New York or California levied at the state and local level. Considering that money can be saved, it seems to be another point in the pocket of the Astros when it comes to being competitive to keep Correa on the team.

Third, is overall GM responsibility. We have never been the top spending team in baseball, yet we have seen that the financial responsibility of Jeff Lunhow, and now James Click, the Astros have become the most competitive team because of how well they have managed both the talent and fiscal duties of the team. The Yankees have consistently spent more and have signed huge contracts (like $36 million for Gerrit Cole) and have not had the success the Astros have. Fiscal responsibility is just as important for keeping your talent as going all out in spending. Considering how much the Yankees are already spending, our fiscal responsibility puts us at a huge advantage.

Overall, Correa has guys that are basically family to him at this point. Why go anywhere else? The Astros can make a huge, long-term, competitive offer and he gets to stay with the place that has been his home since he was 17. No better place to be than an Astro.