There was excitement for Correa to join the likes of Byron Buxton, an otherworldly talent whose only barrier to superstardom had been health, and Royce Lewis, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 draft, who made his major-league debut that season.

All told, the Twins made nine deals this week, sending out 10 major-league players, which represented nearly 40% of their roster. Among them, star shortstop Carlos Correa waived his no-trade clause to return to the Houston Astros in the team’s most shocking move at the deadline.

Any trade is going to draw at least some criticism from fans, but the moves that stand out include the Carlos Correa salary dump, Louis Varland getting dealt to the Blue Jays despite years of team control on his contract, and Griffin Jax being sent to Tampa Bay in exchange for only one player.

The MLB trade deadline saw the Minnesota Twins trade Carlos Correa to the Houston Astros, but trade talks did not start out well.

Correa signed a six-year, $200 million contract with the Minnesota Twins before the 2023 season began. He was part of the Twins' first playoff series win in 21 years, and an obvious leader in the clubhouse. But with the team in fire sale mode, it suddenly made sense for him to return to his old stomping ground.

Carlos Correa is returning to the Astros, with the veteran waiving his no-trade clause in order to return to his previous home of seven seasons. Houston also acquired OF Jesus Sanchez from the Marlins.