The Houston Astros set a precedent when they traded Kyle Tucker in 2024 because they didn’t want to pay him a five-tool superstar’s contract. Now, they may have another star that will face the same fate.
That star is All-Star shortstop Jeremy Pena. The Athletic’s Chandler Rome believes that with two years of control left on Pena, the Astros may start to think about dealing him, especially by the season after next.
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“Trading Kyle Tucker last December set a precedent. As a result, each subsequent offseason will feature speculation about a similar deal involving a homegrown superstar whom Houston has failed to extend. Brown shut down one possibility Tuesday, revealing that teams have not inquired about shortstop Jeremy Peña’s availability…Still, Houston’s overcrowded infield and its constant search for farm system upgrades made it at least feasible to consider listening to ideas for Peña. The prospect haul in a potential Peña trade would do wonders for the Astros, but would also signal the sort of organizational step back that runs counter to Crane’s claim of a championship window never closing during his ownership tenure…Perhaps that will change if the Astros underperform before the trade deadline and decide to sell. If they don’t, expect this same conversation to occur next winter, when moving Peña will feel far more realistic and align with the precedent Tucker set,” Rome wrote.
This past season, Pena slashed.304/.363/.477/.840 with 30 doubles, 17 home runs, 62 RBI, and 20 stolen bases in 125 games played. Like Tucker, Pena’s a five-tool player, and will expect five-tool money.
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And, with Scott Boras as his agent, you know he’s going to ask for the maximum amount of money he can receive, or he’ll leave. So, trading him for top prospects might be the smart move.
Hopefully, the Astros become contenders again so they can keep Pena as the next superstar to lead their team. Otherwise, building a trade package might be the move to make.
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