Report: Diamondbacks interested in SF Giants free-agent slugger
The Arizona Diamondbacks have been eyeing a proven designated hitter in free agency throughout the offseason. According to a report by Buster Olney of ESPN on Thursday morning, the Dbacks are showing interest in SF Giants free-agent slugger Joc Pederson (#40-ranked free agent). Pederson is a free agent after spending the past two seasons as a staple in San Francisco's lineup against right-handed pitching.
SF Giants DH Joc Pederson hits an RBI double against the Rockies. (2023)
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
"The Diamondbacks have been talking with free agent outfielder Joc Pederson," Olney wrote in a tweet. "They've been looking for a DH type."
The market for designated hitters has remained relatively quiet in this slow moving offseason. Teoscar Hernández, who inked a one-year deal with the Dodgers, remains the lone top free agent designated hitter to have inked a deal. Pederson, Jorge Soler, J.D. Martinez all remain on the open market. Pederson has reportedly drawn interest from the Dodgers and Blue Jays.
While Pederson was among many prominent figures in the Giants organization who were scapegoated for the team's disappointing 2023 season, he was quietly one of the team's few productive hitters. Pederson finished the season with 15 home runs and a .235/.348/.416 line in 425 plate appearances. He also ranked in the 90th percentile or better among qualified hitters in xwOBA, average exit velocity, Hart Hit %, and walk rate.
Granted, those numbers were a significant step back from what Pederson had posted in 2022, his first season with the Giants. After signing a one-year, $6 million deal, Pederson hit .274/.353/.521 with 23 home runs in 134 games, receiving his second career All-Star game selection.
Pederson, of course, began his career with the Dodgers back in 2014. Then a fleet-footed outfielder, Pederson was named an All-Star as a rookie and would go on to post a .830 OPS with 130 home runs in Los Angeles before becoming a free agent after helping the Dodgers win a World Series in 2020.
Pederson's role would narrow over time, as he consistently struggled to produce against left-handed pitching. He would land a one-year deal with the Cubs and was a solid contributor before he was traded to Atlanta at the 2021 trade deadline. Pederson would help reinvigorate Atlanta to an impressive second half run that ended with a World Series victory.
Given how things went in 2023, it seems unlikely that Joc Pederson will be returning to the SF Giants next season. However, with the Arizona Diamondbacks reportedly interested, it seems like he may be finding a way to stick in the National League West.
