Joc Pederson Sets Sights on AL West Dominance in First Appearance as a Ranger

Moments after donning a Texas Rangers jersey for the first time at his introductory press conference on Monday, outfielder Joc Pederson wasted no time in rallying the club's fanbase. Discussing the Rangers' ambitions for the 2025 season, Pederson took a bold stance against their arch-rivals, the Houston Astros. 

"There's a lot of things lining up for us to go on a nice run," Pederson declared. "Played the Astros a couple times in the World Series ... They put together a nice little run and it's coming to an end. And it's time for us to take over the [American League West Division]."

Pederson emphasized that the Rangers have the momentum necessary to seize control of the division: "So like I said, there's a lot of things that are going in the right direction for the Rangers to be on top of this division."

The Houston Astros have dominated the AL West, clinching the title seven times in the last eight seasons, with four World Series appearances and two championships in that span. Conversely, the Texas Rangers broke a six-year postseason drought by making the playoffs in 2023. They finished second in the division to the Astros, only to triumph over their rivals in a thrilling seven-game championship series on the way to winning the World Series.

With Pederson's confidence and the Rangers' recent success, fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the upcoming season. The stage is set for an intense rivalry and a quest for division supremacy.