With what has become a tradition among Los Angeles Dodgers fans, anytime a former member of the 2017 Houston Astros comes to Dodger Stadium, the boo’s rain down. Carlos Correa has been subjected to arguably the most hostile reaction, which continued this week despite now playing for the Minnesota Twins.
When Correa stepped into the batter’s box for his first at-bat on Monday, the crowd reminded him of the jaded past he’s had in Major League Baseball. During his tenure with the Astros, the All-Star shortstop made a name for himself as one of the best at his position in baseball.
But their World Series run six years ago is marred with a cheating scandal that changed the way fans view their title, and has seemingly followed key members of that team years later. Correa had been one of the more outspoken players on that Astros team, with tensions boiling over in 2020 when Joe Kelly brushed him off the plate and did a pouty face, causing a bench-clearing incident.
Correa told David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports he’s come to expect the harsh treatment and nevertheless enjoys playing at Dodger Stadium:
“It doesn’t bother me one bit. This happened in 2017. That’s six years ago, and every time I come here it’s expected. But I enjoy playing here. It’s a great ballpark, a great atmosphere, they always have a great team on the field. So it’s always great to compete here at Dodger Stadium.”
Correa did not have success in the Twins’ three-game set with the Dodgers, tallying just two singles in 14 plate appearances. Correa struck out six times, with each instance bringing cheers just as forceful as the booing and chants of ‘cheater.’
Correa’s struggles in the series added onto a slow start that has amounted to an 80 wRC+ and a .660 on-base plus slugging percentage.
Dodgers never made competitive offer to Carlos Correa
Although there was some speculation that the Dodgers had inquired about Correa during free agency, it was revealed after he signed with the Twins that there was never a contract offer made.
Dodgers ownership and the front office reportedly held some concerns over whether or not fans would accept signing Correa.
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