Former Dodgers Outfielder 'Very Close' to Signing With NL West Rival
Along with the Dodgers, the Arizona Diamondbacks have also spent significant money this offseason upgrading their roster. They added left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez and signed outfielder Lourdes Guirriel Jr.
Now, it looks like they have turned their attention to the designated hitter/outfield combo. Buster Olney of ESPN reported that the Diamondbacks have been talking with former Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson to fill that role.
More recently, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic said the two sides were "very close" to an agreement.
Pederson, 31, made his debut with the Dodgers back in 2014, and he helped usher in a new age of Los Angeles baseball. Over his seven years with the team, he slashed .230/.337/.470 and earned an All-Star nod in 2015.
After winning the World Series in 2020, he signed with the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs would flip Pederson at the deadline to the Atlanta Braves who would go on to win the World Series that year.
He has spent the last two years representing the rival San Francisco Giants. Now, he could continue to tease Dodgers fans by joining the team that swept them in the 2023 NLDS.
Last year, Pederson had a .764 OPS and slugged 15 home runs in the Bay Area. Known for his power against right-handed pitching, he had a down year for his standards last year against righties with a 115 wRC+ and .786 OPS.
Still, he does his best work in the postseason with a career .814 OPS and 12 home runs in 79 games. The Diamondbacks could use this type of postseason production as they look to build upon last year's success.
UPDATE:
John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix says it's a done deal between Pederson and the Diamondbacks.
