Prior to activity ramping up at the MLB trade deadline this season, the Atlanta Braves got a jump start by acquiring Joc Pederson from the Chicago Cubs. It of course wound up marking the first of several trades the Cubs would be part of come the July 30 deadline.
Pederson hit .230/.300/.418 with 11 doubles, 11 home runs and 39 RBI across 73 games in what turned out to be his only season with the Cubs. He signed a one-year contract with the organization after spending the first seven seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Pederson wore No. 24 in Chicago as a tribute to L.A. Lakers legend Kobe Bryant since his longtime No. 31 with L.A. was retired in honor of Greg Maddux.
Now a member of the Braves, he decided to switch things up again and is wearing No. 22. Pederson explained that he chose the number to pay homage to former teammates Clayton Kershaw and Jason Heyward, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com:
“I’m rocking 22 for J-Hey and then for my guy Kersh,” Pederson said. “J-Hey did it here for a long time wearing that number, and Kersh is a great friend. I guess 22 on every team I’ve been on has been legendary. So I’m proud to wear 22.”
During his time with the Dodgers, Pederson not only emerged as a fan favorite, but a great teammate inside the clubhouse as well. He and Kershaw remain close friends to this day, so it’s no surprise Pederson wanted to honor him on the Braves.
The No. 22 also serves as a tribute to Heyward, who briefly was teammates with Pederson in Chicago. Heyward wore the number for five seasons in Atlanta, making it a perfect choice for Pederson as he looks to endear himself to the Braves fanbase.
Kershaw helped Dodgers honor Pederson
Prior to getting traded, Pederson returned to Dodger Stadium as a member of the Cubs. His visit marked an opportunity for the Dodgers to present his 2020 World Series ring and play a tribute video.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, Kershaw, Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger were among those to participate in the on-field ceremony.
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