Braves fans, the offseason never fails to surprise, does it? Contracts are soaring past projections, leaving even the most seasoned analysts doing double takes.
If Max Fried’s $218 million megadeal didn’t drop your jaw, Juan Soto’s jaw-dropping 15-year, $765 million pact with the Mets probably did.
The market is hotter than ever, and that trend has now pulled in a former Atlanta postseason hero, Joc Pederson.
Joc Pederson Signs with the Rangers
Pederson, who became a household name for Braves fans after his electric performance during their 2021 World Series run, is heading to the Texas Rangers.
The two-year, $37 million contract (pending a physical) is yet another example of teams paying a premium, especially for players with a proven postseason pedigree. The deal includes an opt-out, giving Pederson some flexibility as he continues his career.
Fresh off trading Nathaniel Lowe, the Rangers see Pederson as a much-needed injection of left-handed power and leadership. His 2024 numbers were stellar: a .275/.393/.515 slash line with 23 home runs and a 151 wRC+.
Pederson’s ability to feast on right-handed pitching makes him an asset, but the numbers against lefties (.210/.300/.330 career slash line) are a glaring weakness. Still, for a team like Texas, his presence in the lineup—and the clubhouse—is worth the investment.
Why Didn’t the Braves Bring Pederson Back?
The Braves could have benefited from Pederson’s left-handed bat to balance their lineup, but the fit just wasn’t there.
With Marcell Ozuna holding down the DH spot and Pederson’s defensive metrics taking a nosedive in recent years (-4 OAA and -5 DRS in 2023), Atlanta likely decided to pass.
After all, they need versatility, and Pederson’s days as an everyday outfielder are behind him.
A Reunion That Braves Fans Can Only Dream About
It’s hard not to think about what Pederson’s swagger and tenacity could have brought back to the Braves’ clubhouse. His contributions to Atlanta’s 2021 World Series win still remain iconic. The reality is clear: this move made sense for the Rangers, not the Braves.
As the offseason rolls on, one thing is certain—teams are opening their wallets, and former fan favorites like Pederson are cashing in. Meanwhile, Atlanta will keep chasing the perfect pieces to keep them atop the baseball world.
