According to Rangers beat writer Evan Grant, the Texas Rangers are targeting Arizona Diamondbacks slugger and free agent Joc Pederson. While the Rangers have been focused on amplifying their bullpen needs this offseason, they are also looking to add a left-handed bat. Texas is looking to bounce back from their failed absence of making the postseason in 2024. In 2024, across 367 at-bats, Pederson sported a .275 batting average with 23 home runs, 64 RBI, and seven stolen bases.
The Rangers are currently focused on bullpen & have maintained contact with Joc Pederson. I do not see them as being realistic for Corbin Burnes https://t.co/s6uIPB0YVb
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) December 13, 2024
Rumor: Rangers Targeting Free Agent Slugger Joc Pederson
Pederson signed with the Diamondbacks in January 2024. Pederson has sported a career .834 OPS facing right-handed pitching compared to a .622 OPS against left-handed pitching. Historically, Pederson has been a go-to hitter in the postseason. He was highly glorified in the 2020 World Series for hitting the winning home run in game five. Pederson was with the Los Angeles Dodgers for seven seasons before signing with the Chicago Cubs in 2021 as a free agent. In 2022, Pederson was an All-Star with the San Francisco Giants. He won back-to-back World Series titles in 2020 with the Dodgers and in 2021 with the Atlanta Braves.
The 32-year-old veteran has 218 career postseason plate appearances. In his career in the postseason, he has gone yard 12 times while slashing .256/.332/.482. Pederson would be a solid addition for the Rangers, who are considering trading first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, according to Ken Rosenthal. Aside from his postseason experience, Pederson also wears his likable personality on his sleeve. The Rangers are also in dire need of a hitter who is capable of doing damage against right-handed pitchers. The 2024 season for the Rangers was not their finest as a whole. But looking at their designated hitters, they slashed .204/.263/.322/.585. The Rangers also ranked poorly in terms of batting average, SLG, OPS, and OBP, ranking second to last.
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