Outfielder Joc Pederson and the Texas Rangers have reached an agreement on a contract, pending a physical, as confirmed by sources to ESPN. The deal, initially reported by The Athletic, marks a new chapter for the 32-year-old veteran, who spent the 2024 season as a designated hitter for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Pederson opted to decline his $14 million mutual option with the Diamondbacks, thus entering free agency last month. Over the course of his only season in Arizona, he posted a solid .275 batting average, hit 23 home runs, and recorded 64 RBIs, following a $9.5 million contract signed the previous offseason.
Pederson, a left-handed hitter, has faced limited opportunities against left-handed pitchers in recent seasons. However, his production against right-handed pitchers has been impressive. In 335 at-bats in 2024, he posted a .281 batting average with a remarkable .923 OPS, 22 home runs, and 60 RBIs. This consistent performance against righties has made him a valuable asset to teams seeking a reliable hitter in the lineup.
The Rangers’ outfield, which already includes notable players like Adolis Garcia, Wyatt Langford, Evan Carter, and Leody Taveras, is now even more crowded with Pederson’s addition. Despite the competition for playing time, Pederson’s experience and strong bat against right-handed pitching make him a promising addition to the Rangers’ roster as they continue to strengthen their lineup for the upcoming season.
Over his 11-year career, Pederson has established himself as a proven power hitter, amassing 209 home runs. He has played for several teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Notably, Pederson was named an All-Star in 2015 while with the Dodgers and again in 2022 with the Giants. His championship pedigree further enhances his value, having won World Series titles with the Dodgers in 2020 and the Braves in 2021, making him a seasoned contributor with both regular-season and postseason experience.
