What Would the Astros’ 2027 Lineup Look Like Without Jeremy Peña?

The Houston Astros are reportedly willing to listen to trade offers for Jeremy Peña. Peña becomes a free agent after 2027, and extension talks have reportedly stalled.

While it is all speculation, the possibility of Peña leaving Houston raises some important questions about the Astros’ 2027 lineup.

If Peña does go, Carlos Correa could take over as the primary shortstop. Now, yes, Correa is an excellent shortstop. He is a Gold Glove winner and brings a veteran presence. That said, he is coming off a long IL stay, and he is 32, while Peña is 29. Is getting rid of a top athlete to make room for an older one really the right move?

So what would the lineup look like if Peña were gone in 2027?

Predicted 2027 Astros Lineup Without Peña

This is just one possible lineup, with the outfield still uncertain heading into 2027. Correa would move to shortstop, and Altuve would take over the leadoff spot.

Peña also served as Houston’s leadoff hitter for much of the season, and he did it well. So, with Peña gone, not only would the infield need some adjustments, but the batting order would as well.

Yes, the batting order changes from time to time, but Peña, Alvarez, and Paredes batting back-to-back gave Houston results. Peña is an aggressive baserunner, and his 12 stolen bases in 2026 added another element to the lineup. Putting top-notch hitters behind an aggressive baserunner is valuable, and with Correa’s injury history, there are questions about whether he could bring the same level of aggression.

So, who would take Peña’s place in the leadoff spot next season?

The first player Houston would likely consider is Altuve, who found himself in the leadoff spot when Peña was out. But at 36 years old, can Altuve bring the same level of athleticism to the bases?

One of the biggest problems for the Astros heading into the 2027 season is their crowded infield. With Correa returning, Houston has too many players expecting regular playing time. But trading Peña is no small deal. The Astros could take a hit.

The Astros also picked up Paredes’ $13.35 million club option for 2027, keeping him under contract for another season. That’s another reason eyes are on Peña.

Peña finished the 2026 season batting .277, with 22 home runs and 56 RBI. He also had 12 steals and a .802 OPS in 112 games.

Peña has power at the plate, he is an excellent baserunner, and an overall great athlete. That combination is hard to part ways with.

Houston has other options when it comes to clearing up the crowded infield, and Peña doesn’t necessarily have to be the one to go. But all eyes seem to be on Peña.