Joc Pederson landing spots: 3 teams that could pursue 2x All-Star, 2x World Series champion after reportedly declining mutual option with D'Backs
Coming off a one-year, $12.5 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Joc Pederson has opted out of his $14 million mutual option for the 2025 season.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Pederson chose to take a $3 million buyout instead, opting for free agency.
The Diamondbacks designated hitter will now look for a team to play with in the 2025 season. Pederson decided to opt out because he’s coming off the best-hitting season of his career, which puts him in a strong position for a bigger contract.
In 132 games for the Diamondbacks, Pederson posted career highs with a .275 batting average, a .395 on-base percentage, and a .515 slugging percentage. The 32-year-old also recorded career-high marks with a .908 OPS and a 151 OPS+.
Pederson has previously played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, and San Francisco Giants. Given his strong performance this year, several teams may look to sign Pederson in the upcoming free agency.
Top 3 teams that could pursue Joc Pederson
Atlanta Braves
Joc Pederson split the 2021 season between the Chicago Cubs and the Atlanta Braves. In the postseason with the Braves, he recorded nine hits in 44 at-bats, including three home runs and nine RBIs over 15 games, contributing to their 2021 World Series victory.
This was Pederson’s second World Series win, as he was coming off a 2020 championship season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are another team that could pursue Pederson. Outfielder Daulton Varsho has been recovering from rotator cuff surgery on his right shoulder, which he underwent in September.
Although Varsho is expected to return for spring training, there’s a chance he might not be fully ready. With that in mind, the Blue Jays could reasonably target Pederson to strengthen their lineup.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates need strong hitters going into the 2025 offseason, and adding Joc Pederson could be a good move for the team. During the 2024 season, Pederson hit 23 home runs, recorded 64 RBIs and drew 55 walks for the Arizona Diamondbacks.