Contract extension negotiations between the Houston Astros and Carlos Correa have gotten off to a considerably poor start as far as the franchise shortstop is concerned. 

Speaking to reporters on Thursday from spring training, the former Rookie of the Year and 2017 All-Star said the team's initial six-year, $120 million offer was well below the value of his play—and he's unsure if Houston is willing to discuss the type of deal he's looking for. 

"The way things are looking, I don't know right now," Correa said. "The first offer, I thought it was really low."

The shortstop noted the offer came through a few weeks ago and the two sides haven't spoken about a new deal since.

Correa will play out the season on a one-year, $11.7 million deal before becoming an unrestricted free agent. He told reporters he's preparing for the 2021 campaign as though it'll be his last in Houston based on the way extension talks have gone. 

"I understand the business and I know how it goes." Correa said. "If they don't see me here long term, then another team will."

Based on the terms offered, Correa would be looking at an average annual salary of $20 million, and while it's unclear what the veteran is seeking, Spotrac pegs his market value at $17.7 million per year. That could make sense given the loaded shortstop free-agent class next year. 

Aside from Correa, Francisco Lindor, Trevor Story, Corey Seager, Javier Baez, Jose Iglesias and Marcus Semien are all scheduled to reach free agency. Currently only Lindor ($22.3 million) earns more than $20 million per season. 

The 26-year-old slashed .264/.326/.383 with five home runs and 25 RBI over 58 games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season after suiting up for just 75 games in 2019 due mostly to a rib fracture suffered while receiving a message in his home.

His best season to date came in 2017 when he slashed .315/.391/.550 with 24 home runs in 109 games during a year now tainted by Houston's sign-stealing scandal. If Correa can come close to those numbers in 2021, he shouldn't have a problem receiving the type of money he's seeking. 

But at this point, it's on him to prove he's worth the financial commitment after a few down years in a still young career.