Astros' Jeremy Pena Announces Personal News on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Dec 12, 2025 3:24 PM ET

The Houston Astros’ season ended in disappointment in 2025, as the team failed to reach the postseason for the first time in eight years. Despite the struggles, shortstop Jeremy Pena took a major step forward in his fourth MLB season.

The 24-year-old, who debuted in 2022, played a crucial role in Houston’s playoff run that year, ultimately earning World Series MVP honors as a rookie and securing his first championship ring.

In the seasons that followed, Pena was steady defensively but fairly average at the plate. That changed in 2025, when he delivered career-best numbers with a .304 batting average, a .363 on-base percentage and an .840 OPS.

He also added 17 home runs, 62 RBIs and 20 stolen bases across 125 games, solidifying himself as one of the Astros’ brightest young stars.

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (3)© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

As Pena prepares for the 2026 season, his focus has momentarily shifted away from baseball to a major personal milestone. In a collaborative post with his partner, Julia Grosso, the two announced their engagement.

“A lifetime with you.,” the caption read, accompanied by photos of Pena proposing to his fiancee. Grosso, a Canadian soccer player who has represented her country internationally, has built a successful career of her own, making their relationship one of two accomplished athletes supporting each other’s journeys.

The engagement marks a new chapter for the couple, who have balanced demanding professional schedules while maintaining a strong bond off the field.

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With his engagement marking an important step in his personal life, Pena will eventually turn his attention back to the field as the Astros look to rebound in 2026. His breakout in 2025 added to an already impressive list of accomplishments, as he is a one-time All-Star, Gold Glove winner and World Series MVP.

Yet his long-term future in Houston has become a question. The Astros have not offered him a contract extension, and last year’s trade deadline move to bring back Carlos Correa gives the club another option at shortstop should Pena depart in unrestricted free agency in 2027.

Drafted in the third round of the 2018 MLB Draft, Pena has grown into a cornerstone player, and how the Astros handle his situation will shape their outlook moving forward.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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