Astros runs leader makes contract decision after $100 million update

The Houston Astros will likely have to wait until the end of the season to talk about a long-term contract for one of their rising stars. 

The Astros have a strong hold atop the American League Central division, with their offense ranking fourth in the league in batting average. Despite ranking in the bottom third in the league in runs, the Astros continue to dominate, with shortstop Jeremy Peña making a major impact. 

MLB Network insider Jon Heyman announced on X that the Astros were close to a long-term extension with Peña, in the range of $100 million, and that talks are now on hold. 

"Astros and star SS Jeremy Pena had been in serious long-term contract talks before his recent agent switch to Scott Boras, as I said on MLB Network," Heyman wrote. "Those talks are now on hold, at least for now. Pena is 2nd in MLB behind Aaron Judge with a 4.5 WAR."

"They were talking about a deal for in the range of $100M. Now on hold."

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Peña, 27, is fifth in Major League Baseball in batting average, slashing an absurd .326/.382/.877 with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs. As Heyman also noted, Peña is second in the league in WAR, trailing only Aaron Judge. 

Peña is currently on a one-year, $4.1 million contract, as shared by Spotrac. Luckily, Peña is under team control through the 2027 season, with two more years of arbitration. With how well Peña is playing this season, it's no wonder that the 27-year-old is putting talks on hold, especially as he switches agents. Getting an extension done would be in Houston's best interest, but that may have to wait for now.

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