Outfielder/designated hitter Joc Pederson has agreed contract with the Texas Rangers, Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic announced today. Pederson, 32, declined his part of a mutual option with the Arizona Diamondbacks for 2025 and has found a new home. Pederson put up a strong season for Arizona in 2024, hitting .275 with 23 home runs and a .908 OPS in 123 games. He is coming off a one-year, $9.5 million deal with the Diamondbacks before the season, including a $14 million mutual option for 2025.
Free agent designated hitter Joc Pederson in agreement with Rangers, sources tell @TheAthletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 23, 2024
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According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the deal is worth $37 million over the next two seasons. It includes an opt-out after the 2025 season.
Joc Pederson’s deal with the Texas Rangers: 2 years, $37 million, with an opt-out after the first year. A perfect fit for their lineup.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 23, 2024
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Rangers Sign Joc Pederson
Though Pederson is mostly an outfielder, he served as a full-time DH in 2024 after having been primarily a DH (79 games) for the San Francisco Giants in 2023. He has not played more than 38 games in the field since 2022. However, he still swings one of the biggest left-handed bats in baseball. No shortage of teams like the Rangers could certainly use that power. This past season, Pederson was fourth in the National League of all batters with 400 or more plate appearances in OPS, sixth in isolated power (.240), seventh in walk percentage (12.2%) and pull percentage (50.0%).
Pederson is a talented two-time All-Star outfielder who has made a significant impact over his 11-season career. A versatile player, he has donned the uniforms of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Throughout his career, Pederson has maintained a batting average of .241, highlighted by an impressive 209 home runs and an OPS of .811.
His contributions were pivotal in securing World Series titles for both the Dodgers in 2020 and the Braves in 2021. In the high-pressure atmosphere of the postseason, he has excelled, boasting a career postseason OPS of .814, showcasing his ability to perform when it matters most. Pederson’s blend of power and experience makes him a valuable asset to the [Team Name].
Main Photo: © Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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