Jeremy Pena #3 and manager Dusty Baker Jr. #12 of the Houston Astros celebrate after the game between the Houston Astros and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Saturday, October 15, 2022 in Seattle, Washington.
Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty ImagesJeremy Peña is now a household name in Houston after the Astros shortstop shined in the 2022 Fall Classic, becoming the first rookie position player to win World Series MVP.
Peña excelled for Houston in the regular season, amassing 4.5 wins above replacement as a rookie. But frankly, this pales in comparison to his postseason performance. Peña hit .345 in the playoffs with four home runs, filling the void left by Carlos Correa with ease. As Peña elevated his play on the field, his profile off it grew immensely.
The 25-year-old infielder addressed the media on Sunday while serving as an honorary guest for the Houston Texans during their home game against the Cleveland Browns at NRG Stadium. Peña discussed his burgeoning bond with city, as well as his emerging celebrity status, right off the bat.
"Not even just for me, just the fans' investment to the team. This city is invested into the Astros, and the Astros are invested with the city," Peña said. "It was pretty cool to see."
Peña also discussed the Astros' offseason moves on Sunday.
He expressed his happiness over manager Dusty Baker's return to the team for the 2023 season, noting that "Dusty is the man. He's like a father figure to me, and it was good news for me." Peña was additionally thrilled to see the Astros sign first baseman Josè Abreu. The 2020 AL MVP joined Houston last week on a three-year deal, and after shining for the Chicago White Sox across the last decade, Abreu could be a potent bat in the heart of the Astros' lineup for 2023 and beyond.
"What is there to say? Josè Abreu is one of the best hitters in the league," Peña said. "He's shown it every single year, and we're going to welcome him in with open arms."
It was a whirlwind first few days for Peña after the Astros' clinched their second World Series title against the Philadelphia Phillies in early November. Since then, though, he says he's been able to take in the journey and what his team accomplished.
"It was special. We accomplished what we set out to do since spring training," Peña said. "Only one team gets to enjoy that at the end of the year, so it's a special, special moment."