Diamondbacks Interested in Bringing Back Free Agent Joc Pederson

Free agent outfielder Joc Pederson is garnering interest from the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Rosenthal also mentions the Tampa Bay Rays and Texas Rangers as potential landing spots, though those seem more speculative at this point.

Pederson, who turns 33 in April, is known for his prowess against right-handed pitching, despite his limitations in defense and base running. He struggled against left-handed pitchers but excelled as a designated hitter and pinch hitter, showcasing his powerful left-handed bat.

Last winter, the Diamondbacks signed Pederson to a one-year deal with a $12.5 million guarantee. He played in 132 games for Arizona but did not take the field due to his defensive liabilities. Of his 449 plate appearances, only 42 were against southpaws, yet he managed a respectable .219/.405/.344 line and a 124 wRC+ in those situations. Throughout his career, Pederson has struggled without the platoon advantage, posting a .210/.300/.330 line and a 76 wRC+ against left-handers.

Against right-handers this past season, Pederson maintained a more manageable 21.4% strikeout rate and an 11.8% walk rate, above the league average. He hit 22 home runs and produced a slash line of .281/.392/.531 with a 154 wRC+.

Overall, Pederson finished the season with a .275/.393/.515 line and a 151 wRC+. This marks the second time in three years that he has delivered strong offensive production, having hit .274/.353/.521 with a 144 wRC+ for the San Francisco Giants in 2022. Despite a dip in his batting line to .235/.348/.416 in 2023, Pederson rebounded in 2024, thanks in part to a higher batting average on balls in play (BABIP).

Over the past three years, Pederson has maintained a 135 wRC+ across his plate appearances, ranking among the top 15 in the majors. His offensive contributions outweigh his defensive shortcomings, making him a valuable asset at the plate. MLBTR predicts him to secure a two-year, $24 million contract as one of the top 50 free agents.

​The Diamondbacks' interest in re-signing Pederson is understandable, given the impact he had on their offense. General Manager Mike Hazen has indicated that the team's 2025 payroll is expected to be similar to 2024, with current projections at $149 million. Re-signing Pederson would consume a significant portion of their available budget, but trading some of Jordan Montgomery's salary could provide additional flexibility for further offseason moves.