Why Jeremy Peña Should Stay in Houston Despite the Yankees Trade Idea

The Houston Astros are making changes, and now Jeremy Peña is part of a hypothetical trade idea involving the Yankees. While finding a manager is a top priority, sorting out the roster is up there as well.

One of the biggest problems to solve is the crowded infield, and trading Peña could help address the issue, but is that the right move?

Heavy Sports floated a New York Yankees trade idea. With Peña entering his final year before free agency, is trading the shortstop the right solution?

Peña has a projected salary of $13.1 million in arbitration. With Carlos Correa returning from the IL, the Astros have another top-notch shortstop waiting to get back in the game.

Heavy Sports suggests the Yankees get Peña, and the Astros get Anthony Volpe, Ben Hess, and Core Jackson.

So is this a good trade for the Astros?

Starting with why the Yankees would want 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. Solid stats and a good reason for the Yankees.

Now, taking a closer look at who the Astros would hypothetically get in return. The Astros would get a young shortstop and two prospects. Volpe struggled in 2026, but Correa could cover shortstop while Volpe works to improve his offensive production.

Now, Jim Crane did say that the Astros are not looking at a complete teardown, so trading a 29-year-old solid shortstop for three young players might not fall into the Astros’ plan.

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

The risk of keeping Peña is that he becomes a free agent after 2027. If Houston can’t reach an extension, the Astros could lose him without getting a player in return. Trading him now would at least give Houston a chance to get something back.

There is also Isaac Paredes to consider. 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. That said, Paredes is another player who would be hard to part ways with, considering what he brings to the plate. Randy Flores has some tough decisions to make, but trading Peña isn't the only solution.

My verdict: Peña isn’t the right trade choice. He is a well-rounded player and a positive presence on the field and in the clubhouse. With Christian Walker entering the final year of his contract, this crowded infield could sort itself out by 2028.