Shortstop Carlos Correa has been having a down-year in 2023, but on Tuesday, he reached an important milestone by recording his 1,000th career hit.

On Independence Day, against the division “rival” Kansas City Royals, Correa singled to right off former Houston Astros teammate Zack Greinke to reach the century mark.

Correa, a 2x All-Star and 2017 World Series Champion, began his career with the Astros when they selected him with the #1 overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft. In 2015, Correa made his MLB debut and won AL Rookie of the Year. The Astros would advance to the American League Divisional Series but would lose to the eventual World Series Champion Kansas City Royals.

In 2017, Correa earned his first All-Star invitation and played a vital role in bringing Houston the first World Series championship in franchise history. The championship was especially meaningful for Houston, who was still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. In 2021, Correa was awarded his first career Gold Glove and second All-Star selection.

In March 2022, Correa signed a 3-year, $105.3 million contract with the Minnesota Twins in free agency with opt-outs after the first and second seasons. In the 2022 season, Correa batted .291/.366/.467 and the Twins missed the playoffs.

After the season, Correa opted out of his contract with the Twins and signed a mammoth 13-year, $350 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. However, the Giants backed out after an issue with Correa’s ankle emerged during a physical exam. The Giants were willing to renegotiate, but Correa instead signed a different massive deal with the New York Mets for 12-years, $315 million. Like the Giants, the Mets found issue with Correa’s ankle and were hesitant.

Once again, Correa went back on the market and finally re-signed with the Twins on a 6-year, $200 million with incentives that could push the deal to $270 million if hit.

Correa, 28, has been slow out of the gate on offense in 2023 with a .227/.298/.410 line and is on pace for his worst full season since 2018. However, the 9-year veteran is currently on a 6-game hitting streak highlighted by a four-hit effort on Monday against the Royals. In the last seven days, Correa has batted .409/.435/.500. Correa leads the Twins in hits (68) and RBI’s (38). 

Correa is sixth all-time in postseason RBI’s, tied for seventh all-time in postseason home runs, and tied for ninth all-time in postseason total bases.

The Twins, 44-43, will play the Royals in the series finale on Wednesday with the hope of a sweep at home. Minnesota has won four of their last five games.