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Houston Astros: What’s on their post-lockout to-do list

By Eric Treuden

Oct 22, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. (12) celebrates after defeating the Boston Red Sox to advance to the World Series after game six of the 2021 ALCS at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker Jr. (12) celebrates after defeating the Boston Red Sox to advance to the World Series after game six of the 2021 ALCS at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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WEST PALM BEACH, FL – MARCH 11: Jeremy Peña #89 of the Houston Astros throws to first base turning a double play during the spring training game against the New York Mets at The Ballpark of The Palm Beaches on March 11, 2021 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – MARCH 11: Jeremy Peña #89 of the Houston Astros throws to first base turning a double play during the spring training game against the New York Mets at The Ballpark of The Palm Beaches on March 11, 2021 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

The Houston Astros should take a look at prospect Jeremy Peña

Ranked as the #4 prospect in the Astros’ system by MLB.com heading in to 2021, Jeremy Peña looks like he could be ready for his first big league audition in the upcoming campaign.

The departure of Carlos Correa has left the Astros’ shortstop situation wide-open. Peña, 24, is a slick-fielding shortstop with above-average contact and power abilities to match. Prospects Live wrote up an excellent scouting report on the young prospect in August of this past season, on his defensive prowess:

"Field: Elite defender with a long term future at shortstop. Could be a plus defender anywhere in the infield. Quick first step smooth and natural infield actions, with soft hands to match. Moves well to both his left and his right with the ability to control his body and get into good throwing position. Arguably the best defender in the Houston system at the moment. Grade: 60"

To be labeled as the best defender in Houston’s system is quite the claim. Peña made defensive appearances at both shortstop and third base in 2021, spending the vast majority of his time at the club’s Triple-A affiliate.

On offense, Peña hit 10 home runs and a .297 average in just 37 games in 2021. While not a huge sample size, it’s enough to get the Astros excited when looking to the future of their ball club.

Losing Carlos Correa when he inevitably signs elsewhere in 2022 and beyond will be a significant blow to this Houston Astros team. Jeremy Peña is here to fill the void in Houston faithful’s hearts.

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