Houston Astros star quietly putting together the best year of his career

The Houston Astros appeared to have a new star on their hands in 2022 when little-known Jeremy Pena stepped up in a big way to replace Carlos Correa.

It’s always tough being the guy who follows the departure of a franchise legend, but in his rookie season, Pena managed to do just that.

Not only did he hit 22 home runs and drive in 63 runs, but he also won a Gold Glove award at shortstop, matching Correa’s defensive prowess during his seven-year tenure with the Astros.

Then he took his game to the next level in the postseason, slashing 345/.367/.638 with four homers and eight RBIs in 13 games. This earned him ALCS and World Series MVP honors, something not accomplished since Livan Hernandez in 1997.

But Pena struggled in his sophomore season, posting a .263/.324/.381 slash line with just 10 homers and 52 RBIs.

His struggles were also on full display in the playoffs, going 8-40 with one extra base hit and one RBI.

After a long winter where he sought to modify his swing to become more consistent, the 24-year-old is having the best year of his career.

Pena hit a three-run homer Friday in Houston’s opener against the Milwaukee Brewers, keeping their winning streak at six games.

He has a .326/.364/.459 average with five homers and 20 RBIs in 45 games in 2024.

“I feel like I can repeat my routine day in and day out. I can repeat my swing positions at the plate and just simplify my at-bats. I think that’s the biggest change,” he said. he said about his new approach according to Brian McTaggart. from MLB.com.

Yet there are still things he’s trying to get to grips with, which suggests that even big performances could be on the horizon.

“We’re getting there. I still feel some tendencies of my old self. … I feel nervous sometimes. I try to do too much, I try to get big and bulk up. I need to stay loose and relaxed and confident in the work we do day in and day out,” Pena added.

If that is the case, then the sky is the limit for this young shortstop.