Astros SS Carlos Correa already has become "one of the majors' most marketable figures," as he is a "young, bilingual player with charisma and superstar talent," according to Jorge Ortiz of USA TODAY. Correa's five-year deal with adidas "was formally announced" Thursday, and last year's AL Rookie of the Year "will be showcased in Topps’ digital trading card app" on Opening Day. He also has endorsement deals "with a Texas supermarket chain and a Houston car dealership, a promotional agreement with a fish and boating foundation and a partnership with the Houston Children’s Charity for an initiative to raise funds to buy beds for kids." Correa during the offseason "hosted a golf tournament to benefit children with medical needs in his native Puerto Rico" and landed a "small role in an upcoming movie project about Roberto Clemente" after meeting with Legendary Entertainment Chair & CEO Thomas Tull. Astros GM Jeff Luhnow has talked to Correa’s reps about "balancing all those commitments while playing at the highest level." Luhnow: "It’s always been a concern, because there are so many people pulling for his time. And as he becomes more and more popular nationally, he gets asked to do a lot of things, whether it’s for products or companies or charities or family obligations, helping friends out, etc." However, Luhnow added that his "level of concern is not too elevated." Correa said becoming the next face of baseball "means a lot" to him. He said, "I've been working toward that. I want to represent the Latin community with dignity. ... I want to represent the game in a dignified manner" (USA TODAY, 4/1).
