HOUSTON – October 24, 2025 – Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña has been named a finalist for the 2025 Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award, recognizing his exceptional offensive performance during a career-best season.
Peña is one of three American League finalists at shortstop, joining Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays and Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals. The winner will be announced on November 7 at 6:00 PM EST on The Baseball Insiders YouTube stream.
A Breakout Campaign
The 27-year-old Peña posted career highs across the board in 2025, slashing .304/.363/.477 with 17 home runs, 62 RBI, 68 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases in 543 plate appearances. His .840 OPS was more than 100 points higher than his previous career best and represented a significant leap forward in his offensive development.
Peña’s selection as an All-Star for the first time was well-deserved, as he established himself as one of the premier offensive shortstops in the American League. His .304 batting average ranked among the best at his position, and his combination of power and speed made him a constant threat in the Astros’ lineup.
Overcoming Adversity
Peña’s achievement is even more impressive considering he missed significant time due to injuries. On June 27, he was placed on the 10-day injured list with a rib fracture sustained from a hit-by-pitch. He returned to action in early August, only to deal with an oblique strain late in the season that kept him out of the final games of the regular season.
Despite the setbacks, Peña appeared in 132 games and established career highs in virtually every offensive category. His 20 stolen bases marked the second consecutive season he reached that threshold, showcasing the elite speed that makes him dangerous on the basepaths.
Peña was particularly productive before his June injury, batting .322 with 11 home runs, 40 RBI, 48 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases through his first 82 games. His performance earned him his first All-Star selection, a milestone that validated his emergence as one of the league’s top young players.
Competitive Field
While Peña’s season was outstanding, he faces formidable competition for the Silver Slugger Award. Witt Jr. is widely considered the favorite after a sensational season that likely included MVP consideration. Bichette also enjoyed a strong campaign for the Blue Jays before missing the final three weeks with injury.
On paper, Peña’s .304/.363/.477 line with 17 home runs and 20 stolen bases represents strong all-around production at a premium position. While he doesn’t stand out in any single category, voters typically reward players with high batting averages who contribute meaningfully in multiple aspects of the game—a description that fits Peña perfectly.
Peña actually matched or exceeded Witt Jr. in certain areas, including batting average (where he led by nine points) and on-base percentage (where he held a 12-point advantage). However, Witt Jr.’s superior power numbers and elite defensive metrics give him the edge in the overall package.
Building on Championship Pedigree
Peña burst onto the scene in 2022, winning the AL Gold Glove Award at shortstop as a rookie—the first rookie ever to accomplish that feat at the position. His performance in Houston’s championship run that year was legendary, as he won both the ALCS MVP and World Series MVP awards, becoming the first American League player to earn both honors in the same year.
After a pair of solid but unspectacular seasons in 2023 and 2024, Peña’s breakout 2025 campaign demonstrated that he could be the offensive force the Astros envisioned when they made him their starting shortstop. His ability to combine Gold Glove-caliber defense with elite offensive production makes him one of the most valuable players at his position in baseball.
Looking Ahead
The Silver Slugger recognition comes at an important time for both Peña and the Astros organization. With two years of team control remaining before free agency, Peña’s strong 2025 season should make him a priority for a contract extension this offseason.
After Houston’s disappointing finish—missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016—the organization needs to establish its core for the long term. At 27 years old and coming off his best offensive season, Peña represents exactly the type of young, proven talent the Astros should build around.
Whether or not Peña wins the Silver Slugger Award, his 2025 season established him as one of the American League’s elite shortstops and a cornerstone for Houston’s future. The finalist nomination is well-deserved recognition for a player who overcame injuries to post career-best numbers and earn his first All-Star selection.
Winners of the Silver Slugger Award will be announced on November 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM EST on The Baseball Insiders YouTube stream.