By any measure, there are no easy ways for the Houston Astros to improve their roster.
With the signing of Tatsuya Imai and a team operating around the Competitive Balance Tax, ownership has made it clear that more significant free agent spending is no longer a possibility. That leaves one realistic path forward: trading.
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question? Players like Isaac Paredes, Christian Walker or Jake Meyers are unlikely to bring back talent that can have a significant impact on the team in 2026. These trades may help somewhat, but they won’t significantly change the Astros’ trajectory, either in the short or long term.
If Houston truly wants a deal that strengthens its present and future, Jeremy Pena must be included in the conversation.
Pena is coming off a career year in which he finished in the top 10 in AL MVP voting and ranked in the top five in the American League in batting average. But the bigger question remains whether this season represents a new normal or a peak that may never be repeated.
What’s more, Pena’s market value is rising rapidly — and history suggests the Astros won’t be able to meet that requirement.
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The organization has shied away from offering long-term, high-paying contracts to star players approaching free agency. When prices are too high, Houston often lets players walk or trade them before losing them for nothing.
Pena is following the same path.
Trading him now, while his value is at the highest level, would bring back a strong group of young pitchers and position players. This type of return will help the Astros remain competitive not only next season, but for years to come.
There’s also a practical benefit: It simplifies the infield.
The Peña trade returns Carlos Correa to shortstop, Isaac Paredes to third base, Christian Walker at first base and Jose Altuve at second base. The deadlock disappeared and defending in the diamond became more natural.
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Teams like the Red Sox and Blue Jays — both in need of an everyday shortstop — could provide the kind of prospect depth Houston is seeking.
Yes, Pena will always be remembered for his postseason heroics and his role in bringing Houston to a championship. This history is important.
But baseball is still a business.
The Astros have never been afraid to make tough, unpopular decisions when they think it’s best for the team.
If Pena ends up leaving in free agency, the worst thing that could happen would be for him to leave for nothing. The smarter move would be to explore his trade value now and ensure Houston gets something meaningful in return.
This may not be an emotional choice.
But it’s practical.
