It was reported and later confirmed on Thursday evening that popular former Dodgers (and Cubs, and Braves) outfielder Joc Pederson, who spent the last two seasons with the division-rival San Francisco Giants, had agreed to a one-year/$9.5 million contract with the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks that includes a $14 million option for 2025 or a $3 million buyout, for a guaranteed $12.5 million.
During his seven seasons with the Dodgers, who drafted the (now) 31-year-old Palo Alto, CA native in the 11th round in 2010 out of Palo Alto High School, Pederson slashed a combined .230/.336/.470/.806 with 130 home runs and 303 RBI.
While Pederson’s offensive numbers are certainly not Cooperstown-worthy, it is his exceptional defensive skills that made him one of the most sought-after free agents this off-season.
In his two seasons with ‘The Hated Ones,’ the two-time All-Star and two-time World Series Champion slashed .255/.351/.470/.821 with 38 home runs and 121 RBI. Over his combined 10 MLB seasons, Pederson owns a career slash line of .237/.336/.464/.800 with a combined 186 home runs and a combined 485 RBI. For good (or bad) measure, Joc has hit two home runs and driven in nine runs against the Dodgers … so far.
Although no longer a Dodger, it’s hard not to root for Joc Pederson – except when he’s playing against them, which Arizona will do 13 times during the 2024 regular season.
Play Ball!
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