The Astros wanted more commitment from Carlos Correa. That is their right as a franchise, they do not have to give opt outs in contracts if they do not want to. They are not alone with this line of thinking in Major League Baseball. Each scenario however should be judged on its own and with this one, operating this way was a mistake.
Do not get it twisted, the Astros are in win now mode. They have been for a while now. This team has a very real chance again in 2022 to win it all and keeping Carlos Correa would have done nothing but increase those odds. Jeremy Pena might turn into a great player, but right now he is a complete unknown. Carlos Correa is not that and he gives you your best chance to help continue what you are doing.
I can understand an argument for having principles in how you do your business, but this scenario feels like one that you throw that out the window. You owe everything you can give to this team this season to win it all and right now, your odds of winning it all without Carlos Correa are worse. Teams are always dating players and players are always dating teams. For a team that does not believe in the big, long deal that Correa initially wanted, this deal screams everything they want. Commitment, without the actual commitment.
Today, I am a disappointed fan that is still optimistic about their chances again this year. But there is no other way for me to assess this decision as anything but a mistake.