Joc Pederson – From One Division Rival to Another

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.

Although Pederson struck out in 609 of his 3,320 official at-bats as a Dodger, he had an uncanny knack for coming up with a clutch hit at exactly the right moment. (Ron Cervenka)

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.

Pederson has consistently shown remarkable defense during his 10 MLB seasons.
(Jon SooHoo)

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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