Joc Pederson cashes in with Texas Rangers after career year

In December 2024, free agent designated hitter Joc Pederson reached an agreement to join the Texas Rangers. The deal, announced on December 23, 2024, is valued at $37 million over two years, with an opt-out clause after the first year pending a successful physical. Pederson, at 32 years old, had a career year with the Arizona Diamondbacks, hitting a personal best of .275, alongside impressive offensive stats including 23 home runs and 64 RBIs over 132 games. This strong performance contributed to the Diamondbacks leading the league in several offensive categories. Before joining the Rangers, Pederson's contract with the Diamondbacks was a one-year deal worth $9.5 million, which came with a mutual option that he declined, instead opting for the new multi-year contract with Texas. With Nathaniel Lowe being traded to the Washington Nationals on the same day, Pederson's addition is expected to fill a crucial gap in the Rangers' lineup as a left-handed hitter. His capability as a designated hitter positions him as a key player for the Rangers moving forward. Joc Pederson's journey through Major League Baseball began in 2014 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, eventually playing for teams such as the Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, and San Francisco Giants before signing with the Diamondbacks. Throughout his career, he has been recognized as a two-time All-Star and a World Series champion, achieving significant milestones including a career-high of 36 home runs in 2019 and making the All-Star team last in 2022. With his demonstrated ability to produce offensively, the Rangers are optimistic about the contribution he will make in the next two years. Pederson's signing reflects the team's strategy to enhance their lineup with strong left-handed hitters, indicating that the organization is focused on improving its offensive output heading into the 2025 MLB season.