PHOENIX, Arizona – The Arizona Diamondbacks have reportedly reached an agreement with outfielder Joc Pederson on a one-year, $12.5 million contract. Pederson, represented by Excel Sports Management, will earn a $9.5 million salary for the upcoming season, with a $3 million buyout on a 2025 mutual option worth $14 million.
Pederson, who will turn 32 in April, has established himself as a powerful hitter during his ten-year career in the majors. Since his debut in 2014, he has amassed 186 home runs while playing for the Dodgers, Cubs, Braves, and Giants.
The Diamondbacks signed Pederson to a one-year, $6 million deal in 2022, and he delivered exceptional results. He hit 23 home runs and maintained an impressive on-base percentage of 9.7%. With a batting line of .274/.353/.521, Pederson’s performance translated to a wRC+ of 146, indicating he was significantly better than the league average. However, his defensive skills remained a weakness.
Following his successful season, the Giants extended a surprising $19.65 million qualifying offer to Pederson for 2023, which he accepted. However, his performance during that year was more mixed. While his walk rate increased to 13.4%, his batting average dropped and he hit only 15 home runs. With a batting line of .235/.348/.416, Pederson’s wRC+ for the season was 111, a significant decline from the previous year.
Despite the drop in results, there are positive factors to consider. Pederson’s Statcast page shows impressive metrics, with a high hard-hit rate and average exit velocity among qualified hitters. Although his batting average on balls in play (BABIP) decreased from .310 in 2022 to .268 in 2023, it aligns with his career average. Additionally, the banning of defensive shifts in 2023 should have benefitted Pederson, but his BABIP still dropped, indicating further potential for improvement.
Even if Pederson’s fortunes with BABIP do not change, he remains a valuable player against right-handed pitchers. Throughout his career, he has maintained a strong batting line of .242/.344/.490 and a wRC+ of 125 against righties, compared to .209/.293/.329 with a wRC+ of 73 against lefties. In 2023, his numbers were consistent with his career averages, with a slash line of .241/.351/.435 and a wRC+ of 115 against righties.
Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen has been open about the team’s desire to add a full-time designated hitter, a role that Pederson would fit well. Although he can also play in the outfield and has seen limited time at first base, Pederson’s defensive abilities are not highly regarded. In 2023, he made only 23 starts in the outfield and played 204 innings there throughout the year.
If a deal is finalized with the Diamondbacks, it is likely that Pederson’s outfield appearances will decrease further in 2024. The team already has a strong outfield lineup, with Corbin Carroll, Alek Thomas, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. as regular starters, and Jake McCarthy and Dominic Fletcher providing depth.
The Diamondbacks have been active in strengthening their roster for the upcoming season, following their surprise run to the World Series in 2023. They acquired third baseman Eugenio Suárez in a trade and signed pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez to bolster their rotation. Adding Pederson would provide the team with another offensive threat.
These recent moves have pushed the Diamondbacks into uncharted payroll territory, despite the collapse of their regional sports network deal in 2023. This year’s projected Opening Day payroll is expected to exceed $142 million, surpassing the franchise record of $132 million.
With reports of discussions between the Diamondbacks and Pederson originally coming from ESPN’s Buster Olney, it appears that the sides are now nearing an agreement. Steve Gilbert of MLB.com was the first to report the deal, with additional details provided by Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.
Image courtesy of USA Today Sports.