Astros rookie Kenedy Corona counts blessings

HOUSTON – When Kenedy Corona heard that he was going to be called up to the majors by the Astros, he couldn’t control his excitement. Upon learning about his promotion, the 26-year-old outfielder phoned his parents.

They cried together. While the tears slid through Corona’s cheeks he thought of the sacrifices he made. He remembered the feeling of leaving his family behind in Venezuela to chase his dream.

Corona thought of the lonely and hungry nights. He thought of Elio Valerio, a fellow Venezuelan who opened up his home and helped him cope to living in the Dominican Republic early in his career.

Kenedy Corona left Maracaibo, Venezuela, at 19 years old to pursue his baseball dreams. He signed on April 6, 2019, with the Mets and moved to the Dominican Republic to play in the Dominican Summer League. All seemed great for Corona as he was a step closer to the majors.

However, everything changed quickly for the young prospect. Corona struggled to adapt. He became homesick. At times he went to sleep without a meal. To make matters worse, he was close to losing his contract. The Mets threatened to send him back to Venezuela.

Corona sensed that his dream was ending faster than it started. That’s when his friend Elio Valerio welcomed Corona into his home. Valerio housed the then teenager and mentored him.

Valerio took Corona under his wing and helped him rekindle his career.

’Grateful’ Kenedy Corona

“He’s a person who God sent to bless my life,” Kenedy Corona said of Valerio. “I am really grateful for him.”

Kenedy Corona thanked Valerio on his way to the Astros. He even remembered Wilson Peralta, the New York Mets scout who took a chance on him. It’s a full circle moment, Corona will cherish forever.

“I’ve gone through so much in my life,” he said. I had to leave my family to go to the Dominican Republic to fulfill my first dream of signing with a team. I’ve faced hunger. I had to go through difficult things.

“I thank God I had great results and I thank God all the sacrifices were worth it.”

The Astros certainly had their eye on Corona. In December of 2019, the Astros traded Jake Marisnick to the Mets for left-handed pitcher Blake Taylor and Corona.

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The 5-foot-10 right-hander has advanced through the Astros’ minor league systems. He spent six years in the minors before making his debut. 

Corona was promoted after Jake Meyers suffered a calf injury, and Christian Walker was added to the Paternity List. He started in center field Monday night against the Cleveland Guardians. 

Defensive specialist

Kenedy Corona is known for his defense. He won the Rawlings MiLB Gold Glove in 2023. He plays all three outfield positions. The Astros have also enjoyed seeing Corona grow offensively.

Cool moment at first base after Astros rookie Kenedy Corona walked in his first Major League at-bat and Guardians first baseman Carlos Santana congratulated Kenedy. pic.twitter.com/eC8uoQDOV1

— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) July 8, 2025

In 76 minor-league games this season, Corona has hit .228 with six home runs. He’s tallied 28 RBIs and 59 hits. He has a .667 OPS.

“I’m super excited for him,” Astros manager Joe Espada said of Corona. “He’s worked really hard to get to this point. We know about the defense and what he can do on the bases. 

“But I think offensively the last couple of weeks in Triple A he has turned the corner and done some things really well. I’m excited to have him, and he’ll be patrolling center field today.” 

Corona fell down in the count 0-2 in his first major league at-bat, but worked a walk.

“My faith is my strength,” Corona said. “That is the biggest advice I could give.”