Jeremy Peña has taken a major step that could shape his long-term future with the Houston Astros, switching his contract representation to powerful agent Scott Boras. The move has reignited concerns among fans who have seen this pattern before: homegrown stars making their mark in Houston only to eventually walk away in free agency.
From Carlos Correa to George Springer and most recently Kyle Tucker, Astros fans have watched beloved players depart after their initial contracts ran out. With Peña now joining Boras’ high-profile client list—alongside teammate Hunter Brown—it may signal a familiar path toward eventual free agency.
A Contract Extension That Could Have Been
According to Ari Alexander of KPRC, Peña and the Astros were reportedly close to agreeing on a five-year, \$105 million extension before he decided to switch agents. The timing of the change has raised eyebrows, especially considering Boras’ reputation for guiding players to test their market value rather than signing early extensions.
Boras Doesn’t Always Mean Goodbye
While Boras is often associated with big-money exits, that’s not always the case. José Altuve and Lance McCullers Jr. are both Boras clients who chose to remain in Houston. Their loyalty and willingness to stay allowed the agent to negotiate deals that satisfied both sides. Peña could still choose that path, although the track record suggests otherwise.
Astros Still Have Time
Peña remains under team control through the 2027 season, which gives the Astros some breathing room. After this year, he enters arbitration eligibility, with two additional years of club control remaining beyond 2025. Despite the agent change, there’s no immediate contract crisis. But Peña’s current breakout season will only drive up his future value, especially with his elite defense and improved production at the plate.
Could Peña Be Traded Early?
The recent Kyle Tucker trade might offer a glimpse into Houston’s evolving strategy. Knowing Tucker was due a major payday after 2025, the front office opted to deal him a year early, landing Isaac Paredes, rookie Cam Smith, and pitcher Hayden Wesneski in return. If Peña follows a similar trajectory, the Astros could consider trading him before he reaches free agency to replenish the roster with controllable talent.
Key Astros Under Contract — Who’s Next?
With Peña’s future up in the air, here’s a quick breakdown of when key Astros players are signed through:
Through 2025: SP Framber Valdez
Through 2026: SP Lance McCullers, RP Bryan Abreu
Through 2027: SS Jeremy Peña, SP Cristian Javier, 1B Christian Walker, 3B Isaac Paredes, CF Jake Meyers
Through 2028: DH/LF Yordan Alvarez, C Yainer Diaz, SP Hunter Brown, RP Josh Hader
Through 2029: 2B José Altuve
Altuve, of course, feels like a lifer in Houston—his connection with the club and the city goes far beyond contracts. Peña, however, may be entering the same cycle that has seen other Astros stars leave just as they reach their prime.
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