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.

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

Correa will waive his no-trade clause and the Twins are sending the Astros $30 million of the $96 million guaranteed to Correa over the next three seasons. The Twins will get a prospect in return, left-handed pitcher Matt Mikulski.