Astros Shortstop Prospect Gets High Praise for Defense

While taking his winter to the Dominican Republic, Houston Astros‘ prospect, Jeremy Pena, has since grown some coverage for his defensive promise. And in part to the offseason, the shortstop has been identified as a possible successor for highly sought out free agent, Carlos Correa.

Pena has been in the Dominican Winter League the last few months, as he eyes more playing time after his Triple-A season was delayed by injury. Since returning from wrist surgery, Pena has played in more than 60 games without any reports of fatigue in his hand.

While offensive mastery is not always the highlight in LIDOM, Pena has consistently been highlighted for his defensive contributions.

Astros’ prospect, Jeremy Pena, receives praise for his defensive prowess in LIDOM.

Pena received his second-consecutive Gold Glove for shortstop this winter in LIDOM. This has drawn some eyes, while the Astros had the best defensive player in the American League at shortstop in 2021.

Although he is not going to replicate the same WAR that Correa sported, Pena has still received praise from Dominican-journalist, O. Rodriguez Suncar.

“Jeremy Peña is the best defensive shortstop I’ve seen in LIDOM in some time,” Rodriguez Suncar stated.

Rodriguez Suncar has covered Dominican baseball for many years, while seeing a handful of skilled infielders play before him. He sees Pena better than current Chicago Cub, Sergio Alcantara, who showed defensive reliability in his career.

Correa re-signing in Houston remains unlikely, and if the Astros see Pena as the next man up, they might not spend on the other All-Star talent on the market in Trevor Story. Pena, who is only 24-years-old, is in-line for one of the toughest positions of his life, while playing in the shadow of a departing franchise hero.