Correa and Bregman made an emotional return that garnered significant attention in Houston.

On June 8, 2015, while Astros shortstop Carlos Correa was gearing up for his Major League debut in Chicago, his teammate George Springer was tuning into the MLB draft. When Springer saw that the Houston team selected a shortstop from Louisiana State University with the second overall pick, he jokingly remarked, "Hey, Correa, they picked your replacement."

The Astros transformed this second overall pick, Alex Bregman, into a third baseman, forming the core of this rising team alongside Correa, Springer, and second baseman Jose Altuve, ultimately winning the World Series in 2017. Bregman blossomed into a star in Houston, winning two World Series championships before signing with the Red Sox prior to this season.

Meanwhile, Correa left the Astros to join the Twins after the 2021 season but has not experienced that level of team success in Houston again. Last month, a shocking trade brought Correa back to Houston, leading to a special return at Daikin Park today. Bregman, wearing a Red Sox jersey, faced off against his former team in what was the Astros' first home game since Correa's return.

“I never thought I would have the chance to wear this jersey again, and I’m grateful to do so in front of all the fans in Houston,” Correa said before the Astros won 7-6. “We are very happy; that’s an understatement. My whole family is super excited. It’s been a great week, and we just want to keep moving forward.”

About 15 minutes before the game started, the packed crowd at Daikin Park gave Bregman a warm round of applause. A tribute video showcased his career, including eight playoff appearances and seven consecutive trips to the American League Championship Series.

“It feels great to be back,” Bregman said. “After we landed last night, we immediately went to Whataburger to get ourselves back into Texas mode. It’s amazing. There are so many great memories here, and I love everyone in Houston—the fans, my teammates, the coaches, and the entire organization. I had an incredible time here. I will always be grateful to the Astros.”

Bregman showed no signs of rust during the game, hitting a two-run homer off his former teammate Cristian Javier in the first inning. Javier also had his own return story, making his first start in over a year following Tommy John surgery. Bregman added a single in the seventh inning when the Red Sox scored four runs, finishing the night with two hits in four at-bats.

But the loudest cheers of the night were for Correa. He waived his no-trade clause to return to the Astros, the team that drafted him first overall in 2012. He played third base, the position Bregman had occupied for the past eight and a half seasons in Houston. The stands at Daikin Park were filled with fans wearing Correa's number 1 jersey. When he hit a run-scoring single in the third inning, the crowd erupted in cheers once more.

“Let me tell you, walking down the tunnel again made me incredibly happy,” Correa said. “I walked down that tunnel the past three years, but obviously, I was an opposing player then, and now coming back as a member of the home team feels special. It reminds me of when I was 20, walking down that path to fulfill my dream of being a Major League player. But now we have new goals, and we’re going to work hard to achieve them.”

Correa’s wife, Daniella, and their two sons were also in attendance, all wearing Correa's city edition jersey. Correa mentioned that his children were thrilled when they learned their father was returning to the Astros, the team that had once won a championship.

“This is a second chance to wear this jersey,” he said. “I will never take this opportunity for granted. I will give my all every day, but during the trade period, my wife handled everything. I was out for 10 days, and she packed up everything from Minnesota, brought it here, and then flew with the kids to set everything up, so when I got home, everything was ready. She did an amazing job. I married a great wife.”

Bregman spoke fondly of his time in Houston, noting that he left as the best third baseman in the team's history. Based on the welcome he received, he clearly remains one of the most beloved players in the franchise's history.

“There are so many great memories, but winning the championship is special. Making the playoffs eight years in a row, reaching the ALCS seven times, playing in four World Series, and winning two championships is something special,” he said. “I will always be grateful to this team.”