The Houston Astros just locked in one of their most valuable players for 2026 – and they did it without the drama of arbitration.
Shortstop Jeremy Peña, fresh off another standout season, has agreed to a one-year, $9.475 million deal with the Astros, avoiding arbitration in the process. For Houston, that’s not just a win – it’s a savvy move that keeps one of their cornerstone players happy and focused heading into what could be another big year.
Peña isn’t just holding down the fort at shortstop – he’s become the heart of one of the most dynamic infields in baseball. While names like Carlos Correa once headlined the Astros’ infield, it’s Peña who’s now leading the charge, both with the glove and the bat.
A Gold Glove winner and All-Star, he’s already proven he can shine in the postseason spotlight. Now he’s being rewarded – though, honestly, the price tag might be a bit of a bargain given what he brings to the table.
At 28, Peña is entering his prime, and 2025 showed exactly what kind of impact he can have when healthy. Even with a midseason injury that cost him some time, Peña still managed to put up a 5.6 bWAR over 125 games.
That’s elite territory. His .302 average, 17 home runs, 30 doubles, and .840 OPS (with a 132 OPS+) tell the story of a player who’s not just good – he’s one of the best at his position in the league.
And it’s not just the numbers. Peña brings a steady presence to the middle of the field, combining slick defense with a bat that can change a game.
He’s a right-handed hitter with pop, discipline, and the kind of postseason pedigree that every contender craves. His breakout in October a few years back wasn’t a fluke – it was a preview of what he’s capable of over a full season.
That’s why this $9.475 million deal feels like a steal. Players with Peña’s résumé and upside often push well past the $10 million mark in arbitration, especially with another year of control still left in 2027. But Houston gets him at a number that works for both sides – a fair reward for Peña, and financial flexibility for a team that’s still very much in win-now mode.
The Astros are building something again – and while their rotation might have a few question marks heading into spring, the lineup, especially the infield, looks rock-solid. Peña is a big reason why. Avoiding arbitration means no distractions, no drawn-out negotiations – just a clear path forward for one of the game’s most exciting shortstops.
Expect Peña to come into camp motivated, healthy, and ready to build on what he started last season. If he stays on the field and keeps producing at this level, that $10 million threshold next winter? He won’t just pass it – he might blow right by it.
