HOUSTON — The city that watched Carlos Correa and Alex Bregman rise from top prospects to World Series champions found itself reliving the glory days — only this time, from two very different dugouts.
Monday night at Daikin Park was a night of reunions, tributes, and emotion as Correa returned home in an Astros uniform for the first time since his blockbuster trade from Minnesota, while Bregman made his first appearance in Houston as a visitor, now donning Red Sox red after signing with Boston in the offseason.
Houston edged out Boston in a 7–6 nail-biter, but the final score was only part of the story.
Welcome Back, But Now an Opponent
Before his first at-bat, Bregman was greeted with a tribute video that drew cheers and nostalgia from the 39,330 fans in attendance — a reminder of his many accomplishments in an Astros uniform: two championships, four World Series appearances, and nearly a decade of postseason magic.
“Really cool,” Bregman said. “A great moment. I just tried to soak it all in.”
The cheers turned quickly, however, when Bregman launched a two-run homer in the first inning — and was met with loud boos the next time he stepped into the box.
“It was great,” he said with a laugh. “I loved it. I was hoping they would.”
A Hero’s Return
The ovation for Correa was louder, more emotional. The big screen read “Welcome Home” as the former No. 1 pick stepped to the plate in the bottom of the first. He removed his helmet, tipped it to the crowd, and took in a standing ovation that seemed to echo through the city.
“I got chills and I almost felt like crying,” Correa said. “But I was like, I cannot cry before facing a possible Cy Young winner.”
The 30-year-old made his presence felt on the field as well, contributing an RBI single in the win. He’s been on a tear since rejoining Houston — batting .405 with two home runs and six RBIs in his first nine games back.
Two Paths, One Legacy
Correa and Bregman were the heart of a golden Astros era — a one-two infield punch that helped transform Houston from rebuild to powerhouse. Now, their careers have diverged: Correa returning after three seasons in Minnesota and moving from shortstop to third base; Bregman beginning a new chapter in Boston after nine years in Houston.
Correa, who waived his no-trade clause to rejoin the Astros, called it “a second chance” and vowed never to take it for granted.
“I’m gonna go out there and give it my best every single day I go out there,” he said.
The move to third has also refreshed him physically. “Being at third base I don’t get as tired, so I feel like my legs are a lot fresher,” Correa explained.
Bregman agrees: “He’s going to do great over there. He’s got an incredible arm… a Platinum Glove winner at shortstop, so third base should be pretty easy for him.”
More Than Baseball
The return to Houston wasn’t just professional — it was deeply personal for both players.
For Bregman, it was a time to reflect. “The championships, the resilience of the city, the people, my teammates — just the grind. It was fun for us,” he said.
Correa, meanwhile, was just happy to be reunited with longtime friend and teammate Jose Altuve.
“I gave him a big hug and told him I missed him,” Correa said. “We hang out, go eat after games, talk shop… it’s something I definitely missed a lot.”
Altuve shared the sentiment. “I’m really excited he’s back,” he said. “We all are.”
Final Thoughts
Monday’s game was more than just another regular-season contest. It was a moment suspended in time — a rare instance where past, present, and future converged in a ballpark. Correa and Bregman may now be rivals, but their shared history in Houston ensures they’ll always be connected.
And judging by the crowd’s reaction, Houston isn’t ready to forget either of them anytime soon.
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