The Texas Rangers have reached an agreement with power-hitting designated hitter Joc Pederson on a two-year contract worth $37 million, as announced by the team on Monday. The deal includes an opt-out clause after the first season.
Coming off a stellar season with the Arizona Diamondbacks where he served as the primary DH, the left-handed Pederson, 32, posted impressive numbers with a slash line of .275/.393/.515 in 132 games. His performance resulted in a career-best OPS+ of 151, along with 23 home runs in 449 plate appearances. Pederson showcased excellent quality-of-contact metrics, indicating a promising future.
With the Rangers, Pederson is expected to continue as the primary half of a DH platoon, while Jake Burger takes over at first base following Nathaniel Lowe’s recent trade to the Washington Nationals.
In CBS Sports’ offseason rankings, Pederson was listed as the 16th best free agent available. The analysis highlighted his improved performance in the 2023 season and emphasized his offensive prowess against right-handed pitchers.
“Pederson had the best showing of his career, walking and slugging his way to a personal-high 151 OPS+. His game is the same as it’s been for a while now: he’s a professional hitter with some platoon issues and negative defensive value.”
Throughout his 11-year MLB career, Pederson has maintained an OPS+ of 119 and earned two All-Star selections. As he enters the 2025 season, he boasts 209 career home runs.
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