SANTO DOMINGO, R.D. – At just 17 years old, Dominican prospect Elián Peña continues to make history in the Mets organization. The shortstop, considered the jewel of the 2025 international class, once again turned on the spotlights by hitting three home runs in a single game on Monday in the Dominican Summer League… and it’s the second time he’s done it this season.
The US$5 million bonus the Mets gave him to sign –surpassed only by the Japanese Roki Sasaki in the international signing period– is starting to pay off. Peña has become only the third player since 2005 to record two three-home run games in the same season before turning 20, joining Travis Denker (2005) and Joey Gallo (2013).
But there’s more: Peña is the only player to achieve two three-homer games in his first professional season since these records have been kept (2005). In addition, he is only the sixth player aged 18 or under to achieve at least one three-HR game in that time.
The Mets’ No. 10 prospect showcased his entire offensive repertoire on Monday. His first home run was to the opposite field, connecting on a two-seam fastball from right-hander Steven Cabrera (Angels) over the left field fence. The next two were to pull the ball: two high fastballs, one from the same Cabrera and another from Dominican Kauriel León, which ended up in the palms beyond right field. Peña finished the day 5-4, with six RBIs, raising his season offensive line to .299/.423/.540.
His evolution in the DSL has been remarkable. After starting the season 26-0 in his first nine games, Peña found his rhythm on June 14 and, since then, is batting for .351/.467/.635 in his last 44 games. In August, his production has been phenomenal: .442/.529/.860.
Currently, Peña has a total of nine home runs, tied for third place in the circuit, while his OPS of .963 leads among all minor league players for the Mets. In addition, he has shown enviable discipline at the plate, with 35 walks versus 33 strikeouts.
While Sasaki already shines in Los Angeles, Elián Peña continues to write his own story. At 17 years old, no current major leaguer has achieved what he has: two three-home run games in the same season.
The US$5 million bonus the Mets gave him to sign –surpassed only by the Japanese Roki Sasaki in the international signing period– is starting to pay off. Peña has become only the third player since 2005 to record two three-home run games in the same season before turning 20, joining Travis Denker (2005) and Joey Gallo (2013).
