Houston has welcomed back its World Series champion, who has quickly become a leader in the clubhouse and looks rejuvenated at the plate.

W hile Carlos Correa's return to the Houston Astros meant reuniting with teammates like Jose Altuve and Lance McCullers Jr. from the 2017 World Series team, it also meant he was reuniting with a childhood friend: catcher Victor Caratini.

Injuries have long been part of the story for Correa, who was drafted first overall by the Astros in 2012. He played 110 or fewer games in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2024, so he had a four-year run of good health encompassing his multiple free agencies.