Crane has long remained a fan of Correa, to whom he offered a five-year, $160 million contract after the 2021 season. After Correa rejected it and signed with the Twins, Crane took the rare step of issuing a statement thanking Correa and his wife Daniella for their contributions to the city and franchise.

Carlos Correa is headed back to Houston. The Twins dealt the star shortstop to the Astros ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline. Correa, who waived his no-trade clause, is expected to play third base with Isaac Paredes injured

Less than halfway through his six-year, $200 million contract — amid an epic sell-off at the trade deadline on Thursday — the Twins dealt Correa, one of the leaders in their clubhouse, back to the Houston Astros, where he began his career, the biggest move on a dark day for the organization.