The Atlanta Braves have a chance to reintroduce a familiar face to their roster. Former outfielder Joc Pederson has opted out of his mutual option with the Arizona Diamondbacks, making him a free agent once again.
Pederson was a key contributor to Atlanta’s 2021 World Series win. He is now available just when the Braves could use another powerful presence in their lineup. Given his breakout offensive season in 2024, Pederson might be the solution to Atlanta’s search for a reliable bat—despite questions about his defense.
Pederson’s Peak Performance at the Plate
Pederson’s decision to hit the free-agent market now is far from random. At 32, he’s coming off his best offensive season. Pederson managed a .275 batting average, a .395 on-base percentage, and a .515 slugging percentage over 132 games in 2024.
These stats represent career highs in batting average and on-base percentage, with his OPS soaring to .908. His OPS+ reached 151, reflecting his impressive performance relative to the league average. And his 2.9 WAR was the second-best of his career. Pederson’s numbers make a strong case for a team looking to add a power bat.
This career-high season at the plate positions Joc Pederson perfectly for a potential payday, making him an enticing option for a team like Atlanta. The Braves’ lineup, which already boasts Ronald Acuña Jr., could still benefit from a consistent left-handed bat. With Jorge Soler traded due to defensive issues, Pederson’s bat could provide power and consistency while filling the gap left in the outfield lineup.
The Defense Debate
The question is how reliable is Pederson’s glove? Pederson was recognized as a competent defender in his early years, but his defensive performance has declined over time. His last season with the Diamondbacks saw him play exclusively as a designated hitter. That raises questions about his fielding ability at this stage in his career.
A look at Pederson’s defensive stats offers a surprising twist. He has made only eight career errors in left field over a total of 2,760 innings. To put that into perspective, Jarred Kelenic, who filled the left-field role for the Braves in 2024, has six career errors in 1,359 innings. Pederson’s defense may not be stellar, but he could still provide more stability than some of Atlanta’s recent left-field options, including Adam Duvall and Eddie Rosario.
A Calculated Gamble for the Braves
The Braves may find him to be a worthwhile investment considering both Pederson’s offensive upside and his reasonable defensive record. He could give the lineup a reliable power bat, a left-handed option to balance the offense, and a glove that still offers consistency.
With his best numbers coinciding with a time of need for Atlanta, Joc Pederson presents a calculated gamble that could pay off big for the Braves as they aim for another title run.
