Buster Olney floats Astros Jeremy Peña as trade target for Braves

Buster Olney must be expecting Alex Anthopoulos to be much more aggressive at this year’s trade deadline than in years past — because after floating Byron Buxton as a potential Braves target a couple of weeks ago, he’s now throwing Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña into the conversation.

Buster Olney floated an interesting idea on @CelliniNick & @chrisdimino

“If they were to put Jeremy Peña out there… I think that would be like a finishing piece for a Braves team that has high aspirations.”

Would you want to see the Braves make a move for Jeremy Peña if… pic.twitter.com/i1mcbSWuaM

— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) May 27, 2026

With Buxton and the Braves, there’s at least legitimate traction. Atlanta was reportedly among the most aggressive teams pursuing him at last year’s trade deadline, but he ultimately decided he wasn’t going to waive his no-trade clause for anyone.

More recent reports, however, have suggested that could change — and with the Braves having a clear need in left field, he’s a logical target if the Twins end up sellers at the deadline.

The Jeremy Peña idea is a little more out of left field — no pun intended.

The Braves obviously have a need at shortstop. It’s been a miserable situation ever since Dansby Swanson left for Chicago following the 2022 season. Ha-Seong Kim hasn’t worked out as hoped, and while Mauricio Dubon has proven to be a massive addition, there’s no comparing him to Peña — a legitimate All-Star shortstop who has also won a Gold Glove.

But are the Braves really ready to write off the $20 million they spent on Kim this offseason as a sunk cost, on top of the prospect haul it would take to acquire Peña from Houston? That feels highly unlikely — especially when you consider that Peña is a Scott Boras client who isn’t going to sign a long-term extension before hitting free agency.

It’s fun to think about. Jeremy Peña would make this Braves lineup look like a juggernaut. But if Alex Anthopoulos wanted to hand out $200 million to a shortstop who averages four to five WAR per season, he would have done it years ago for Dansby Swanson — and he wouldn’t have had to give up a bunch of top prospects to get him.

It’s just not Anthopoulos’ style. Acquiring a significant upgrade at shortstop is highly unlikely to be part of the Braves’ plans. They’ve shown they’re perfectly comfortable throwing darts at the wall with guys like Kim and Dubon until one of their homegrown talents is ready to take over.

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(Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire)