Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena has made a bold decision by enlisting Scott Boras, a leading baseball agent known for securing high-value deals, signaling a potential shift in his career trajectory. This move, announced in mid-2025, echoes the approach taken by famed teammate Jose Altuve, who also relied on Boras to negotiate a lucrative Astros contract extension.
Jeremy Pena’s performance this season has been remarkable, boasting a .326 batting average and an impressive .873 OPS, helping the Astros maintain a five-game lead in the AL West. Despite being under contract for $4.1 million until 2027, Pena’s choice to hire Boras indicates he may be seeking a major extension or a strategic positioning ahead of free agency.
The Influence of Scott Boras in Shaping Baseball Careers
Scott Boras is widely recognized as one of baseball’s most powerful agents, having orchestrated deals for top stars such as Juan Soto and Jose Altuve. Soto’s $765 million contract stands as a testament to Boras’s negotiation expertise, while Altuve’s $125 million contract extension with the Astros highlights Boras’s ability to secure sizeable deals for established players. Pena’s decision to join forces with Boras shows he is serious about maximizing his value and future earnings.
Altuve, who also retains Boras as his agent, expressed surprise at Pena’s lack of a long-term deal so far, stating,
he’s not signed into a long‑term deal… He’s a guy you really want on your team for the long term.
—Jose Altuve, Houston Astros second baseman
This statement hints at a potential push from Astros leadership to secure Pena’s long-term commitment before he reaches free agency, underscoring his rising importance to the team.
Jeremy Pena’s Vital Contributions to the Astros’ Success
Since his debut, Jeremy Pena has been a valuable defensive asset for Houston, but this season his offensive impact has surged as well. Currently holding a Baseball-Reference WAR of 4.5, second only to Aaron Judge’s 5.6, Pena’s overall contribution makes him one of the premier players in the league.
In recent games, Pena’s clutch performances have energized the Astros. For instance, in a crucial extra-innings matchup against the Los Angeles Angels, Pena hit a leadoff home run and added both a single and a walk to fuel the team‘s 3–2 victory. June has seen him reach a scorching .395 batting average, with 10 home runs and multiple multi-hit games.
Reflecting on his approach, Pena said he is simply
trying to stick to [his] plan.
—Jeremy Pena, Houston Astros shortstop
Astros manager Joe Espada praised Pena’s disciplined approach, noting,
He gets his pitches, he just hits the ball hard and controls the strike zone….Everything he’s doing right now is just All-Star worthy,
—Joe Espada, Houston Astros manager
This outstanding form has helped set a competitive tone within the Astros clubhouse, creating momentum for the team as they target postseason success.
Implications of Pena’s Decision for the Astros Organization
Jeremy Pena’s partnership with Scott Boras is more than just a personal career move; it poses a strategic challenge for the Astros front office. With Pena already under contract but poised to elevate his status, the team must decide whether to pursue an early and significant contract extension or risk waiting until he becomes a free agent, potentially driving up his market value.
Pena’s rising stardom and consistent clutch performances put considerable pressure on the Astros to lock down one of their key building blocks. His trajectory parallels that of Jose Altuve, whose Boras-guided contract extension has been pivotal for the franchise.
Analysts and fans alike are watching closely to see if this move will influence contract negotiations throughout the league, especially as other young stars consider their leverage in negotiating long-term security.