The Houston Astros are going through an vital offseason, and one MLB analyst believes the group may make a stunning choice involving certainly one of its greatest stars.
Shortstop Jeremy Peña has been a fixture in Houston’s lineup since his breakout rookie marketing campaign in 2022, when he helped lead the Astros to a World Collection championship.
However with Peña approaching free company following the 2027 season, Houston could possibly be pressured to contemplate shifting its former World Collection MVP.
In his November 4 offseason predictions for CBS Sports activities, Mike Axisa predicted that the Astros will commerce Peña whereas retaining fellow infielder Isaac Paredes.
The prediction comes shortly after Houston exercised Paredes’ $13.35 million membership choice for the 2027 season, giving the group one other vital choice to make about its crowded infield.
Astros Predicted to Make Shocking Jeremy Peña Commerce Resolution
Houston has a number of established infielders, together with Peña, Paredes, Carlos Correa, and Jose Altuve.
The Astros reacquired Correa in 2025, creating extra flexibility with their defensive alignments. Correa has frolicked at third base since returning to Houston, however he stays a confirmed major-league shortstop.
That creates a possible dilemma for brand new basic supervisor Randy Flores.
Transferring Paredes whereas holding Peña would appear just like the extra simple method to tackle the infield logjam, significantly given Peña’s significance to the group.
Axisa, nonetheless, sees issues unfolding in another way.
He believes the marketplace for Peña may change into robust sufficient that Houston in the end chooses to half with its beginning shortstop as an alternative.
Houston has made comparable troublesome selections earlier than. The Astros traded Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs forward of the 2025 season moderately than danger shedding the star outfielder in free company.
Peña presents one other alternative for Houston to accumulate useful belongings whereas he nonetheless has a full season of group management remaining.
Peña would doubtless entice loads of curiosity if Houston made him accessible. How the Astros plan to rearrange their infield stays to be seen.
Jeremy Peña’s Sturdy 2026 Season Complicates Astros’ Resolution
Buying and selling Peña wouldn’t be a straightforward choice, particularly after his spectacular 2026 marketing campaign.
The 29-year-old shortstop completed the season hitting .277 with 22 residence runs, 56 RBIs and a .802 OPS throughout 112 video games.
His 22 homers matched his earlier profession excessive, whereas his .802 OPS represented one other robust offensive exhibiting from a participant already identified for his defensive skill.
Peña additionally carries substantial postseason expertise.
He was named World Collection MVP as a rookie in 2022, serving to Houston seize its second championship in franchise historical past.
Paredes loved a formidable season of his personal, hitting .262 with 25 residence runs, 94 RBIs, and an .806 OPS.
His manufacturing helps clarify why Houston could be reluctant to maneuver him, significantly after securing his providers for 2027.
The Astros additionally produce other wants to handle, together with their pitching workers, which may make the prospect of receiving a considerable commerce return interesting.
There isn’t a assure Peña will likely be traded, and Houston may nonetheless determine to maintain its core collectively for one more season.
They in the end should determine what path provides the group the most effective likelihood to safe one other World Collection title.
The sheer chance of shedding a former World Collection MVP illustrates how important the Astros’ upcoming offseason selections may change into.
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