The Texas Rangers and Designated Hitter Joc Pederson agreed to a 2-year $37 million deal earlier today. Pederson is coming off a middling 2024 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Pederson signed a one-year $9.5 million contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks last offseason. Pederson hit .275 last season with 23 home runs and 64 RBI in his lone season with the Diamondbacks.
He was part of an Arizona Diamondbacks team that struggled to follow up on their improbable run to the 2023 World Series. Pederson will look to regain his former form for a Texas Rangers team that is looking to return to the MLB Playoffs after winning the 2023 “Fall Classic.” How will this deal work out for both sides?
What Will Pederson Bring To the Texas Rangers?
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
Pederson joins a Texas Rangers lineup that includes many of the league’s best players including Shortstop Corey Seager, Right Fielder Adolis Garcia, and Second Baseman Marcus Semien. Even with so many marquee names in their lineup, the Texas Rangers did not fare well at the plate in 2024. They were 21st in batting average, 18th in home runs, and 18th in runs scored.
Final Thoughts
Pederson will look to revitalize the Rangers during his time with the ballclub. Texas has missed the MLB Playoffs in seven of the last eight seasons and finished 78-84 last season. Texas has had a busy offseason as they acquired Relief Pitcher Robert Garcia and First Baseman Jake Burger. They also re-signed Starting Pitcher Nathan Eovaldi. The Texas Rangers are doing everything in their power to ensure they can make the MLB Playoffs in 2025.
