Jeremy Pena

Sports enthusiasts all around easily recognize the name Jeremy Joan Peña, an awe-inspiring figure in the world of contemporary baseball. Born on September 22, 1997, Peña is a highly achieving Dominican-American professional baseball shortstop who plays for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball. With him exuding boundless energy and prowess on the pitch, it is no wonder that Peña has been an admired figure from his college days through to his blooming professional career.

Peña, a passionate sportsman, embarked on his baseball career during his days at the University of Maine. There, he played college baseball for the Black Bears, where he demonstrated his mettle and unique flair for baseball. Setting his promising career on an upward trajectory, the Houston Astros selected Peña in the third round of the 2018 MLB draft. Since then, he ubiquitous presence on the field has been nothing short of electrifying. Peña made his major league debut in 2022, where he started making waves and headlines.

In 2022, he set a record being the first rookie shortstop to win a Gold Glove Award, followed by being the first rookie to score a home run in the World Series. In the same season, he earned the titles of Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) and World Series (WS). This achievement marked him as the first American League (AL) player to have won both awards in the same year. Notably, he also was distinguished as youngest position player to win the World Series MVP award.

Born and raised in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Peña moved to Providence, Rhode Island with his family at nine years old. Gerónimo, his father, was a former infielder in Major League Baseball (MLB), playing for the St. Louis Cardinals and Cleveland Indians from 1990 to 1996. Following in his father’s footsteps, Peña attended Classical High School in Providence where he made a name for himself in baseball and track and cross country.

In his junior year, he recorded a batting average of .352. The following year, his senior year, he improved his record with an impressive batting average of .390 and two home runs. His promising performance drew the attention of the Atlanta Braves who, in the 39th round of the 2015 MLB draft, selected him. However, he chose not to sign, instead enrolling at the University of Maine to play college baseball.

Upon graduation, Peña began his journey to his dream by signing with the Houston Astros and made his professional debut with the Tri-City ValleyCats of the Class A Short Season New York-Penn League. He continued to demonstrate his extraordinary talent not only in the field but also through his resilience. Despite the cancellation of the minor league season due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Peña continued to shine juxtaposing as he overcame a wrist injury in 2021 and returned to field stronger than ever, showcasing his tenacity.

Peña’s career saw a significant shift during the conclusion of the 2021-2022 Dominican Professional Baseball League season. Peña was awarded a second consecutive Gold Glove at shortstop. His exceptional performance during the season was underscored by a .970 fielding percentage, 5.7 range factor, and nine double plays turned along with five errors.

After his swift rise through the ranks, Peña was named as the starting shortstop in spring training for the Astros after the departure of Carlos Correa. His first experience of the major league was his debut on Opening Day against the Los Angeles Angels. His first major league home run was memorable, as it happened while his parents were being interviewed during the broadcast. He also hit his first career walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning versus the Toronto Blue Jays, helping lead the Astros to an 8–7 win.

In the 2022 regular season, Peña propelled the team forward, displaying immense skill and agility, securing a franchise rookie record tying record with Carlos Correa for most home runs by a shortstop. On defense, he ranked second in the American League (AL) in Defensive Wins Above Replacement.

Of other notable achievements, Peña’s impressive performance in the American League Division Series (ALDS) was a highlight, with his home run in the top of the 18th inning off Penn Murfee clinching an ALDS sweep for Houston. He also received the accolade of the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the American League Championship Series (ALCS).

He further extended his repertoire of achievements by becoming the first rookie shortstop to hit a home run in the World Series, and the Astros won the six-games series. For his exemplary performance, Peña garnered third-ever Rookie award and also became the first American League (AL) player–and ninth overall–to win both LCS and WS MVP honors in the same year.

In 2023, Peña played in a career-high 150 games, and also had career-highs with 152 hits, 81 runs scored, 32 doubles, 13 stolen bases, and 43 walks. He continued his consistent performance and improved throughout, leading the team to several memorable wins.

In 2024, Pena was announced as the Astros’ nominee for the annual Heart & Hustle Award. Despite finishing fifth in the AL Rookie of the Year (ROY) rankings, Peña was awarded with the AL 2022 Gold Glove Award for his excellence at shortstop. This accolade marked him as the first rookie to have ever won this award at shortstop position in MLB history. It’s addendum to his winning the Astros’ Rookie of the Year award as named by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA).

Ending 2022 on a high note, Pena was awarded the Key to the City of Providence in recognition of his outstanding performance and contribution to the game. This marked another milestone in his successful career echoing his admirable resilience, unrivaled talent, and dedication to the game. Jeremy Joan Peña’s journey continues to inspire as he persistently steps onto the baseball pitch, embodying determination with every swing.