Houston Astros Star Has Lofty Praise for Texans' Quarterback C.J. Stroud
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena knows what it's like to experience the bright lights of the postseason as a rookie.
Not just experience them, but thrive under them.
Pena debuted with the Astros in 2022 at age 24, joining a veteran team coming off a World Series loss to the Atlanta Braves the year before.
Pena provided an instant spark, swatting 22 home runs and earning a Gold Glove for his defense, while finishing fifth in the AL Rookie of the Year race.
Fortunately for Houston fans, Pena saved his best for last.
The rookie shortstop dominated October, winning ALCS and World Series MVP honors while helping the Astros down the Philadelphia Phillies in the Fall Classic.
It was a storybook season for Pena.
It couldn't have been scripted any better.
Fans in the Lone Star State are hoping there's a similar ending for rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, who's led the Houston Texans to a playoff berth and a postseason win in his first NFL season.
The parallels to Pena are striking, and it's not surprising to hear he's supporting Stroud every step of the way.
Pena admires Stroud's work ethic and modesty from afar and wishes him continued success. That's high praise coming from a World Series champion like Pena.
The 22-year-old QB has a massive test this weekend in the AFC Divisional Playoffs against likely MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. But if Stroud can take down the team with the best record in football this year, all bets are off.
Houston fans will be closely watching on Saturday to see if Stroud and Co. can pull off a major upset. Based on Stroud's remarkable performance this year (4,108 passing yards, lowest interception rate in NFL), doubt him at your own risk.
