Joc Pederson Signs With Diamondbacks
Two-time All-Star Joc Pederson has struck a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks worth $12.5 million, Diamondbacks beat writer Steve Gilbert of MLB.com was among the first to report Thursday.
Pederson, going into his age-32 season, has been a consistent slugger in the big leagues for over 10 years–launching 186 home runs while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants.
The Diamondbacks added more power to their lineup with Pederson after trading for another slugger Eugenio Suarez from the Mariners in November of last year. He will support a lineup that already includes stars, such as Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll, though Arizona also built off their run to the World Series last season by signing Eduardo Rodriguez to aid the rotation.
Joc Pederson is slated to be the team’s full-time designated hitter, which will fit Pederson well. Never being a plus defender with an injury history, Pederson’s focus on hitting should get Arizona the best results.
It was only one season ago from Pederson’s 2022 All-Star campaign with the Giants where he batted .270, 23 home runs and 70 RBIs with a career-high 146 OPS+. Pederson is a pure platoon bat, having 172 of his 186 career homers be against right-handed pitching. However, he makes his money by also being a proven playoff performer aiding in two World Series championships with the Dodgers and Braves, clubbing big home runs in October.
According to FanGraphs, Joc Pederson is projected to improve on his numbers from last season. This can be an understatement going to a more hitter-friendly ballpark in Arizona by comparison to Oracle Park, in addition to more protection from players like Marte, Carroll and Suarez in the lineup as well.
A return to form after a 2023 season with bad luck can give Pederson a better payday in the future. For Arizona, this is a solid move for a proven power bat and playoff performer which will come in handy if they make another playoff run this season. The Diamondbacks have been spending more than usual. I like it. Is it safe to say Tommy Pham is not returning?
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