Jul 15, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays interim manager John Schneider (21) before the start of the game against the Kansas City Royals at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Officially missing out on the reported target, Slugger signs with the National League Champions, Toronto Blue Jays
Joc Pederson, an outfield player, has officially signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks; consequently, the Toronto Blue Jays have lost out on a purported offseason target.
The Diamondbacks keep enhancing their roster. Joc Pederson, an outfielder and designated hitter, is reportedly in agreement with them on a $12.5MM, one-year guarantee. The client of Excel Sports Management is owed a $3MM buyout on a $14MM mutual option for 2025, in addition to a $9.5MM salary for the upcoming season.
1/25: The Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly nearing an agreement to sign free agent slugger Joc Pederson, per a report from the Arizona Republic.
As stated in the paper:
According to a source on Thursday, the Diamondbacks and free-agent slugger Joc Pederson are “very close” to signing a deal. Pederson’s addition would help the team fulfill its need for a middle-of-the-lineup bat.
The D’Backs want to strengthen their offense this offseason after losing to the Texas Rangers in the World Series. They acquired Pederson in addition to bringing back Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and trading for Eugenio Suarez. If they want to compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West, they will require that offensive.
Conversely, Pederson’s decision to travel to Arizona means he will not be visiting Toronto. The Jays were reportedly quite interested in his services, as we had learned earlier in the month. After all, they also required assistance at designated hitter following Brandon Belt’s departure via free agency.
The 31-year-old Pederson played for the Dodgers, Cubs, Braves, and Giants during his ten years in the major leagues. He has been an All-Star twice in his career and won World Series championships with the 2020 Dodgers and the 2021 Braves.
He is a.237 hitter with 186 home runs and 485 RBI in his career. In 2015, he hit 26 home runs, and in 2019, he drove in 74 runs, making those seasons his most productive.
Toronto may try to sign Joey Votto to fill in at designated hitter now that Pederson is out of the picture. The Angels have recently expressed interest in him. Additionally, they have ties to Jorge Soler.
