Former Dodgers Outfielder Joins Another NL West Rival on One-Year Deal
Former Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson is staying in the National League West, but moving to the desert.
MLB.com's Steve Gilbert reported that the deal is for one year with an option for a second. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the deal if for $9.5 million guaranteed.
The veteran had spent the last two seasons playing for the San Francisco Giants, so his game of musical chairs within the NL West continues. The Diamondbacks had been looking to build a more balanced lineup, and Pederson fits the mold.
After their surprising run to the World Series, the Diamondbacks are looking to get back to show they weren't a one-year wonder. With NL Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll and a dominant pitching staff, Arizona poses a threat to Los Angeles within the division.
Some fans believed a potential reunion between the Dodgers and Pederson could happen this offseason, but after Shohei Ohtani joined to be the designated hitter, it fell flat. He now heads to Arizona where he should be one of the Diamondbacks' best hitters.
Against a very right-handed pitching staff for almost every team in the NL West, Pederson should thrive. He has hit .242 with 172 home runs and 421 runs batted in against right-handers in his career.
Last season with the Giants, Pederson played 121 games, hitting 15 home runs and driving in 51 runs.
Pederson was a fan favorite while in Los Angeles, but fans have been used to rooting against him with the Giants over the years.
