The Houston Astros have plenty going on, even with three weeks or less remaining for the season opener. Already, the team has done the unthinkable by sending off Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker. Now they want Jose Altuve, a 34-year-old, to man a position he has never played in his entire MLB career. However, amidst all these big moves, there is another storyline happening—one involving a stolen base race and an expensive prize.

Well, during an appearance on Foul Territory, Astros first base coach Dave Clark didn’t mince words when asked who in the team would lead in stolen bases this season. His answer was straight out—Jeremy Pena. Clark seems confident that Pena will be able to complete the challenge because he has a grin on his face the entire time.

“We got a bet. We’re going to get 50. I tell you what, if not, he owes me a car,” said Clark. And of course, it’s a bold challenge, but is it impossible? Not really. Pena clinched his career high in stolen bases last season, sitting at 20. Plus, in 1842 plate appearances, he had just a 4.9% walk rate, meaning he is hardly on base, for sure a stolen base threat. But yes, fifty—that’s a huge leap from his previous twenty, so it would take some changes to get there – and it turns out, he’s making them!

As per the Houston Chronicle, Jeremy Pena is working on laying off bad pitches, a thing that has held him back in the past. While he hit 22 home runs in his rookie year and there was a power dip the next season, his number of stolen bases has gone up, so that’s an upside. If Pena finds a way to do the fifty stolen bases, that would be great. If not, Clark might be driving off in a brand new ride at the end of it.

But the bigger question is—is Pena doing enough to be on the Houston Astros roster?

Is Jeremy Peña’s spot safe in Houston Astros?

Jeremy Pena was the golden rookie boy of the Houston Astros in 2022. But here is the thing in baseball—things change fast. Now there is a new wave of talent who is knocking on the door, and he might not be as untouchable as he once was. Houston may not be in rebuild mode, but they are still very much on the be-on-top mode. Right now he is safe from Cam Smith, who is the Houston Astros’ top prospect. He is set to take over the third base later in the season, but if Pena doesn’t level up, he might have to look over his shoulder.

Two names that are coming up in the conversations repeatedly are Shay Whitcomb and Brice Matthews. They both bring something into the mound, something that Pena doesn’t. Whitcomb had a brief stint in the majors last time, and scouts compared him to Alex Bregman. Even if this is a half-truth, Pena’s position might be in danger.

As for Matthew, he is one of the most athletic players of the lot. Pena’s defense was great, but things haven’t been the same. Bergman is gone, and Jose Altuve is shifting. At that, Matthews doesn’t have any baggage; he is just young and fast. He is set to be a second baseman, but if he sets Triple-A on fire, he might just have a shot as a shortstop. But still, Pena has a little more time to save his position. Whitcomb has played all over the infield, so the team might slot him as their utility guy. Matthews might need some more time to debut. However, right now, Pena should get a wake-up call. Because if he doesn’t step up, one of these guys surely will.

What do you think of Jeremy Pena? Let us know in the comments.