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ARLINGTON, Texas — Joc Pederson is set to join the Rangers after a successful physical, as he signed a two-year deal worth $37 million. The outfielder-designated hitter has extensive postseason experience, having celebrated a World Series title with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020, and secured another ring the following year after switching teams. The Rangers notably clinched the championship last season, with shortstop Corey Seager, a former teammate of Pederson’s from the Dodgers, being named World Series MVP once again.
“I really think this is an ideal fit for me,” Pederson remarked. “The Rangers achieved a significant milestone by winning the World Series in ’23, but they’re clearly hungry for more. I also want to be part of a team with a winning mentality. Plus, it’s exciting to reunite with Seager.” The contract offers Pederson an opt-out option after the 2025 season and includes a mutual option for a potential third year in 2027. His introduction took place at Globe Life Field, the same venue where the Dodgers secured their World Series win during the 2020 pandemic-altered playoffs.
This marks the fifth team for the left-handed hitter, following his first seven seasons with the Dodgers. After leaving Los Angeles post-2020 championship, he joined the Chicago Cubs and was later traded to the Atlanta Braves in the middle of the 2021 season, where he also won a championship.
Chris Young, the president of baseball operations for the Rangers, expressed enthusiasm regarding Pederson’s addition to the team. “We are thrilled about the caliber of player he is and the depth he will bring to our lineup, which will enhance our offensive capabilities. Moreover, his track record of winning World Series championships and his ability to foster a positive atmosphere in our locker room is invaluable.” In order to accommodate Pederson on the Rangers’ 40-man roster, right-handed reliever Grant Anderson has been designated for assignment.
Turning 33 in April, Pederson played the last two seasons with the San Francisco Giants and then joined the Arizona Diamondbacks in free agency last January. He posted a .275 batting average, along with 23 homers and 64 RBIs in 132 games during his sole season with the Diamondbacks. Throughout his career, he has a .241 batting average with 209 homers and 549 RBIs over 1,272 games, achieving career highs of 36 homers and 74 RBIs during his 2019 season with the Dodgers.
While with the Dodgers during the 2020 playoffs, Pederson made a remarkable impact, hitting .394 (13 for 33) with three home runs and eight RBIs across 15 games when the team battled through various critical playoff series at the Texas Rangers’ stadium.
Growing up in the Bay Area, Pederson admired Texas manager Bruce Bochy, who led the Giants to World Series victories in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Although the Giants did miss the playoffs in 2011 and 2013, they rebounded each time to secure future titles. The Rangers are now aiming to replicate that success after their championship run in 2023 fell short of postseason involvement in the following season.
“All we need to do is make it to the playoffs. Let Bochy work his magic during that time, and with Seager as an added advantage, we could soon find ourselves celebrating more championships,” Pederson noted. Since Texas last claimed the AL West title in 2016, the Houston Astros have dominated the division, winning it seven consecutive seasons, with the exception of the 2020 season’s unique circumstances. The Astros have also advanced to the ALCS seven seasons in a row and hoisted the World Series trophy four times, winning two of those.
“For the Astros, their successful streak seems to be winding down, and now it’s our chance to take the lead in the West,” Pederson stated. “There are numerous positive aspects moving forward that indicate the Rangers are poised to reign atop this division.” Although Pederson primarily served as a DH and pinch hitter last season, he could provide valuable depth in the outfield for the Rangers, despite not having played in the field since September 2023.
Selected by the Dodgers in the 11th round of the 2010 amateur draft from Palo Alto High School in California, Pederson’s journey in Major League Baseball continues as he embarks on this new chapter with Texas.
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