HOUSTON -- Shortstop Jeremy Pena, the Astros' third-round pick who they slated as the top defensive shortstop in the 2018 Draft earlier this week, signed with the club on Wednesday and will report to Class A Short Season Tri-City on Thursday, he told MLB.com.
The Astros announced the first six signings of their 40-man 2018 Draft class on Wednesday morning, including Pena, right-handed pitchers Cody Deason (fifth round), Austin Hansen (eighth), Mark Moclair (12th) and Layne Henderson (30th), and catcher Juan Paulino (27th).
Pena, a native of Providence, R.I., arrived in Houston on Monday and completed his physical and medical evaluation without complications Tuesday, the day before penning a pro contract with the reigning World Series champions.
"Surreal, because it's a dream come true. It's what you dream of as a kid," Pena said. "Being here is a step toward reaching my goal. I'm just excited -- excited to go and play."
Pena started in every game of his three-year career at the University of Maine. Pena batted .311 with 19 extra-base hits during his junior season in 2018. Peña was joined in Houston by his father, Gerónimo, who played parts of seven MLB seasons with the Cardinals (1990-95) and the Indians (1996).
Deason, 21, held a 2.87 ERA in 14 starts as the University of Arizona's Friday night starter in 2018. Hansen, a 21-year-old righty, recorded nine saves with a 3.29 ERA in 34 appearances (38 1/3 innings) for the University of Oklahoma in 2018.