With uncertainty continuing to swirl around the Atlanta Braves' shortstop situation, they'll need to weigh all of their options this offseason. There's a chance Mauricio Dubon returns, but many teams will be interested after playing well most of the season. It may cost them more than they expected, but there aren't many appealing free agent options beyond him.
That leaves the team in a place where they will need to examine the trade market for alternative solutions. The Braves could consider working out a deal with the Astros, as they did for Dubon last year. This time Atlanta could look to target shortstop Jeremy Peña to solve their shortstop need.
Jeremy Peña's down season could help the Braves acquire him if they can get past the Astros hesitation
It's been a recurring theme for the Braves every offseason since Dansby Swanson left the team in free agency. Pena would be another temporary solution, as he hits the free-agent market after 2026. The Braves could consider extending him after acquiring him, but doing so would block some upcoming prospects. Of course, some of that top talent could be sent over in an initial trade for Peña. Houston's farm system isn't very impressive, and the Braves are loaded with talent. There will absolutely be conversations between the two clubs.
There are obviously pros and cons to every trade decision. Peña would be worth a shot, even if just for one season. Peña's production and on-base percentage dropped off a bit in 2026, but part of that was due to him missing time with a calf strain. He still slashed .277/.325/.477 with 19 doubles, 22 home runs, 56 RBI, and an .807 OPS. Peña's production and on-base percentage dropped off a bit in 2026, but part of that was due to him missing time with a calf strain. He still slashed .277/.325/.477 with 19 doubles, 22 home runs, 56 RBI, and an .807 OPS.
The slug was the same in 2025, so the bat skills are there. He just needs to work on getting on base much more often. His defense also saw an unfortunate drop-off last season, going from an 8 OAA in 2025 to a -6 OAA in 2026. The injury mid-season could have contributed to this, but the track record of good defense is there.
Peña's underperformance could help lower the cost, but the Astros are already wary of moving him. They'd hope to sign an extension, but once Peña signed with Scott Boras, that fell apart. Now, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Houston may wait to see what happens with the CBA negotiations before making a decision.
They want to see if qualifying offers will exist next season so they can gain a draft pick if/when he departs in free agency after next season. If the Braves were to offer a good enough deal, surely the Astros would reconsider. However, that hesitation, combined with a down season and Scott Boras, puts a lot of skepticism on the likelihood that a trade would ever come to fruition.
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