Joc Pederson was among the early Los Angeles Dodgers prospects to reach the Major Leagues and make an impact during their current run of National League West dominance and he won a World Series title before moving on in free agency.
Pederson became a free agent following the 2020 World Series, and like fellow postseason contributor Kiké Hernández, he turned that into a larger opportunity with a new team by signing with the Chicago Cubs. Hernández ultimately made his way back to the Dodgers in 2023, and now Pederson could potentially do the same.
According to David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio, the Dodgers have spoken with Pederson since free agency began:
“I had mentioned the Dodgers being connected to Joc Pederson. They have had conversations. Nothing is imminent from what I understand.”
Although Pederson initially left the Dodgers for the Cubs, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves during the 2021 season. Pederson went on to win a second World Series in a row ahead of reaching free agency.
In March 2022, Pederson reunited with Farhan Zaidi by signing a one-year, $6 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. He put together an All-Star season and remained with the Giants for 2023 by accepting the $19.65 million qualifying offer.
Over the past two seasons with the Giants, Pederson hit a combined .255/.351/.470 with 33 doubles, 38 home runs, 121 RBI and a 128 wRC+ while appearing in 255 games (200 starts).
The bulk of Pederson’s success has come when filling a platoon, which presumably would continue if he re-signed with the Dodgers. Moreover, the Dodgers and Pederson having free agency meetings lends further credence to corner outfield being an area the team is looking to address even if he profiles more as a designated hitter.
The Dodgers are said to have already agreed to terms with Jason Heyward on a one-year, $9 million contract.
Dodgers nearly completed Joc Pederson trade
Several months before Pederson put together big swings for the Dodgers en route to winning the 2020 World Series, he was nearly traded to the Los Angeles Angels along with Ross Stripling.
However, Angels owner Arte Moreno reportedly grew frustrated with a delay that stemmed from the Dodgers’ trades with the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins, and backed out of the agreement. Moreno later refuted the idea that a trade had been in place with the Dodgers.
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