The San Francisco Giants made a splash in MLB free agency on Wednesday, locking down a deal to sign outfielder Joc Pederson. Jon Morosi reported that Pederson and the Giants had agreed to terms on a contract that would bring the 29-year-old back to the NL West, where he spent the first seven seasons of his MLB career.
Joc Pederson in agreement with #SFGiants, source says. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) March 16, 2022
Pederson, a one-time MLB All-Star, played the first seven years of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he won the World Series. He joined the Chicago Cubs in free agency last season, but was dealt to the Atlanta Braves at the trade deadline. Pederson won his second World Series in 2021 as a member of the Braves.
Across 137 games in 2021, Pederson slashed /.238/.310/.418 with 18 home runs and 61 RBI. The left-hander has notoriously struggled against left-handed pitching throughout his career, which occasionally forces him to the bench. With the designated hitter set to hit the National League, the fit for Pederson on the Giants makes sense, considering his struggles defensively in 2021.
The Giants are hoping to repeat as NL West champs this season, and adding Pederson could be pivotal towards achieving that goal. After stunning the league en-route to a 107-win season in 2021, the Giants will have much loftier expectations ahead of them this season.
Pederson figures to join an outfield that currently consists of Mike Yazstremski, Lamonte Wade Jr., Darin Ruf, and Austin Slater. There's a chance the Giants opt to roll with Pederson at left field, though he will likely also see time at DH.
Follow Us
Subscribe