MLB Rumors: Joc Pederson's 3 Potential Landing Spots

February 07, 2022 , ,

Whenever baseball business opens again, be it March, April or beyond, "Joctober" should be on every contender's calendar. Free agent Joc Pederson once again proved his worth in the post-season, this time for the Atlanta Braves, helping them to their first World Series title since the '90s, after helping the Los Angeles Dodgers to one the year before. 

Pederson is out on the open market, and is definitely one of the underrated free agents teams should not be sleeping on. His services will undoubtedly come in handy to some team come playoff time. The 29-year-old offers uncompromising power from the left side of the plate. 

Let's have a look at 3 teams that are potential landing spots for Pederson. 

Atlanta Braves

Ok, this one's easy. Pederson endeared himself to Atlanta fans with his performance as well as his fun character during the Braves' World Series run. (Warning: NSFW audio... use headphones!): 

Then there's this little matter of some gaping holes in the Atlanta outfield once again this year. Pederson, Eddie Rosario and Jorge Soler are all free agents, while center fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. is expected to be back, but perhaps not for a full season, as he continues to rehab his torn ACL. 

Seattle Mariners

The Mariners are dedicated to continuing to improve their lineup once the lockout ends. Their offseason needs, as stated by MLB Network Radio host and former MLB GM Jim Bowden, are "to improve lineup depth, with emphasis on a left-handed bat for the outfield/designated hitter and/or a multi-positional type." That certainly sounds like Pederson, who, in addition to playing the outfield corners, can play a little backup first base, and would be ideal as a DH, something he's never had the luxury of doing in his career. 

Boston Red Sox

When it comes to all-hit, little-fielding left-handed power bats, the Red Sox had that covered in 2021, when Kyle Schwarber made a big impact for them, playing a little outfield and a little first base, while mashing the baseball from the left side. But Schwarber is now a free agent, and is no cinch to return. 

Enter Pederson. He can fill the Schwarber role as a reasonable facsimile, and should come on a much cheaper deal than Schwarber is commanding on the open market. They're at a similar age, with similar career numbers in the batting average and home run (and strikeout) departments. He'd be a perfect fallback if the Sox can't re-sign Schwarber. 



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