If Atlanta Braves fans have learned anything this offseason, it's that players are getting paid more than expected. Almost every free agent signing has received a deal higher than the initial projections.
Max Fried received an astronomical deal for eight years and $218 million. Juan Soto received one of the richest deals in baseball with an insane 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets.
That trend has continued as Sean Manaea signed back with the Mets for three years and $75 million. Now, a former Atlanta postseason hero also snagged a larger deal than expected. Joc Pederson cemented himself in Braves fans' hearts after he helped lead the team to a World Series win in 2021.
Former Braves fan-favorite Joc Pederson signs a two-year deal with the Texas Rangers
He left the team after that season and has spent time with the Giants and Diamondbacks. On Monday, we learned he is headed to the Lone Star State to continue his career. Pederson and the Texas Rangers agreed to terms on a two-year, $37 million contract.
Joc Pederson's deal with the Texas Rangers: 2 years, $37 million, with an opt-out after the first year. A perfect fit for their lineup.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 23, 2024
This deal is pending a physical and does have an opt-out built in but it's a great choice for the Rangers. They recently traded away power-hitting first baseman Nathaniel Lowe so Joc will provide them with some pop. He also is a great leader in the clubhouse.
Pederson batted .275/.393/.515 with a 151 wRC+ in 2024, including 17 2B, 23 HR, and 64 RBI. Most of his damage came when facing right-handed pitching.
However, an $18.5 million AAV seems like a tad high for a DH that only hits well against RHP. Pederson has a career .210/.300/.330 slash line with a 78 wRC+hitter against southpaws versus his .246/.349/.494 line and 121 wRC+ against righties. Although, you could argue it's lower than expected for how well last season went for him.
The Braves have wanted to add a lefty power bat this offseason for the outfield. Pederson would have filled that need for them, but his dwindling defensive ability may be why they avoided adding him as he is pretty strictly a DH at this point. 2023 was the last full season in the outfield for the slugger and he produced a dismal -4 OAA, a -5 DRS, and an -19.3 UZR/150.
It would have been great to add his leadership and tenacity back to the clubhouse. However, Atlanta already has one of the best designated hitters in baseball with Marcell Ozuna so there was no true spot for Pederson.