Reports: Dodgers, Blue Jays interested in SF Giants free agent slugger
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays have expressed interest in one of the SF Giants: free agent designated hitter Joc Pederson. Pederson, 31, played on a qualifying offer this past season, but was unable to match the production of his All-Star campaign in 2022. Now, as the Giants look to improve their roster, he is a free agent who most believe will not be returning to the orange and black.
“I had mentioned the Dodgers being connected to Joc Pederson," David Vassegh said on AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio. "They have had conversations. Nothing is imminent from what I understand.”
Pederson was drafted in the 11th round by the Dodgers in 2010. He was selected straight out of high school and accepted the offer, along with a $600,000 signing bonus, to join the team instead of going to USC. He made his major league debut in 2014, and remained with the team through 2020, where he won his first championship during the COVID shortened season.
A reunion with the team that drafted him could be a natural fit, and if there's one thing the Dodgers are very good at, it's agreeing to spend good amounts of money to build a compelling team. But the Giants' long time rival are not the only ones interested in their hometown hitter.
According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet Canada, the Blue Jays have a constant pulse on Pederson, and return to the idea of him when he's on the market, "They’ve [the Blue Jays] re-kindled their every-time-available-interest in Joc Pederson." The Blue Jays, much like the Dodgers, are all in on Shohei Ohtani, appearing alongside the Giants and Angels as the final four teams to watch for the Japanese star's landing place.
But in the event that the Ohtani decision doesn't go their way, they're planning for power, much like the Giants should be (and reportedly are). Pederson, alongside league veterans like Michael Brantley and Jorge Soler, reportedly draw their eye at this stage in the off-season.
Pederson, who has two All-Star nods and two championships to his name, would likely be most effective as a designated hitter at this point in his career, if his last few years in the outfield are a good indication. In 2023, he hit .235/.348/.416 with 15 home runs, boasting the second-lowest strikeout rate of his career. His walk percentage increased significantly between the 2022 and 2023 seasons, indicating a stronger plate discipline. But power will be what gets him another MLB opportunity. It seems like the Dodgers or Blue Jays could see a potential fit.
