Two-Time World Series Champion Signed by the Rangers
According to ESPN's Buster Olney, slugging all-star designated hitter Joc Pederson has signed a deal with the Texas Rangers worth $37 million for two years, with an opt-out after the first year. The two-time World Series Champion will slot into the everyday DH role, providing a reliable bat in the lineup. After an excellent season in 2024 with Arizona, Pederson declined his option in hopes of a larger contract. Pederson is starting to get a little older going into his age-33 season, but he still has plenty of great seasons left in the tank. Being a complete full-time DH proved worthy in 2024, and you will likely see the same out of him in 2025.
Pederson is coming off the best year of his career in 2024. He hit .275 with a .908 OPS and 23 home runs. He was a huge reason why the Diamondbacks were within playoff contention. He was an all-star in his rookie season with the Dodgers and finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting. He was a very valuable outfielder for them and even helped them to earn their seventh World Series in 2020. In 2021, he again played a big role with the Braves after the trade deadline, helping them win the World Series. The last three years, he has spent in the NL West with the Giants and Diamondbacks and has proven to be one of the top designated hitters in the league. Although he struggles a little when facing left-handed pitchers, it is not as big of a difference as some of the other hitters in the league.
When Pederson is in the lineup, you know what you are going to get. He is going to slug a ton and drive in all the runners in front of him. Even though he does not provide any added value on the base paths, he makes up for it in the box. The Rangers are getting a great power hitter to be in the middle of their lineup. Pederson has also proven to have the ability to come up big in the clutch, especially late into the season. He will prove to be a worthy signing and one that will be looked back on once the season is over.
