Jeremy Peña’s rookie season was a resounding success, although a bit irregular at times. Even accounting for his summer slump, a 3.4-win season from their primary shortstop was a nice gain for the Astros, who decided to let Carlos Correa walk away in free agency. Peña’s leg kick adjustment in September 2022 became a much-discussed item in particular as Houston eventually won their second World Series title, with his contributions at the plate and in the field landing him both ALCS and World Series MVP honors.
It was obvious last offseason that the expectations for Peña were set high for 2023.