According to Jeff Passan, Joc Pederson has declined a mutual option. He is now available on the free agent market. The free agent frenzy continues this offseason, and Pederson joined in. He will be a pretty penny that teams should keep an eye on this offseason. This season for the Diamondbacks, Pederson sported a .275 batting average, 23 home runs, and a .908 OPS with 101 hits. The 32-year-old platoon would provide significant value to any team that picks him up this offseason.
Diamondbacks Two-Time World Series Champ Opts For Free Agency
Joc Pederson has declined his end of a mutual option, source tells ESPN. He's a free agent.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) November 2, 2024
Landing Spots for Two-Time All-Star
So, where could Pederson land in the 2025 season? Well, the Blue Jays are a team that needs to go after free-agent outfielders Joc Pederson’s name has come up in Blue Jays rumors in the past. The Blue Jays should target outfielders, considering their star defensive outfielder, Daulton Varsho, is recovering from surgery. He underwent rotator cuff surgery on his right shoulder in September. While the 2023 DRS leader is expected to be ready for Spring Training, it’s possible that he might not play in Spring Training and might need more time to recover. If Varsho undergoes any setbacks in his recovery, he could still be on the IL.
So far this season, with new additions, the Blue Jays have a new hitting coach. Were looking to see a lot more additions to the clubhouse. But they need to pick up veteran players, and now that Pederson is a free agent, he should be the player they target. Pederson also has World Series experience, earning two World Series titles, one with the LA Dodgers in 2020 and one with the Atlanta Braves. Pederson will likely make his way to the AL.
Another landing spot for Pederson would be the Boston Red Sox sign him if they trade some of the left-handed bats that they currently have. He fits the mold of Hunter Renfroe and Tyler O’Neill signings. In addition, we know that Pederson is capable of hitting 15-20 home runs through his platoon role. Pederson is coming off hitting 15 home runs last season, 23 this season, and 23 in 2022. Pederson could also be well-suited for the Cleveland Guardians. If you move on from Naylor, put David Fry into that backup catcher role, and slot Jhonkensy Noel at first base/DH, he can fit right in.
Main Photo Credits: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
