What Happened to Joc Pederson?

Joc Pederson is a professional baseball player who has played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, and most recently, the San Francisco Giants.

The 30-year-old outfielder has had a successful career so far, but like many players, has experienced ups and downs throughout his time in the Major Leagues. Recently, Pederson has made headlines due to his move to the Giants and his transition to playing first base.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at Pederson’s career thus far, the highlights of his time with the Dodgers, his move to the Cubs, and his current situation with the Giants. We’ll also discuss what the future holds for this talented player and his impact on baseball as a whole.

Early Career

Pederson’s Early Years in Baseball

Joc Pederson was born on April 21, 1992, in Palo Alto, California. He grew up in the Bay Area and attended Palo Alto High School, where he played both baseball and basketball.

Pederson was a talented athlete from a young age and was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 11th round of the 2010 MLB Draft.

His Rise Through the Minor Leagues

After being drafted by the Dodgers, Pederson began his professional baseball career in the minor leagues. He played for several Dodgers’ affiliates, including the Ogden Raptors, the Great Lakes Loons, and the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

In 2013, Pederson had a breakout season with the Quakes, hitting 22 home runs and stealing 31 bases. He was named the California League MVP and was promoted to the Dodgers’ Triple-A team, the Albuquerque Isotopes, the following year.

Pederson’s Debut in the Major Leagues

Pederson made his Major League debut on September 1, 2014, as a pinch hitter for the Dodgers. He got his first start in the Major Leagues the following day and hit his first home run on September 24, 2014.

Pederson quickly became a fan favorite for his power at the plate and his impressive defensive skills in the outfield.

In his rookie season, he hit 26 home runs and was named to the National League All-Star team. Pederson finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting that year, behind only Kris Bryant.

Success With the Los Angeles Dodgers

Pederson’s Breakout Season in 2015

Pederson’s breakout season came in 2015, his second year in the Major Leagues. He hit 26 home runs and had a .210 batting average, along with 54 RBIs and 170 strikeouts.

He was also selected to participate in the Home Run Derby during the All-Star Game festivities, where he finished in second place. Pederson’s performance in 2015 earned him a spot on the National League All-Star team, as well as a nomination for the Gold Glove award.

His Success in Subsequent Seasons

In the following seasons, Pederson continued to be a productive player for the Dodgers. In 2016, he hit 25 home runs with a .246 batting average, and in 2017 he hit 11 home runs with a .212 batting average.

In 2018, he hit a career-high 25 home runs with a .248 batting average, and was named the National League Player of the Week in July. In his final season with the Dodgers in 2020, Pederson hit seven home runs with a .190 batting average in 43 games.

Highlights of Pederson’s Career With the Dodgers

Pederson’s career with the Dodgers was highlighted by his impressive power at the plate and his outstanding defensive skills in the outfield. He hit 130 home runs in his six seasons with the team, including a career-high 36 in 2019.

Pederson was also known for his clutch hitting in the playoffs, including his memorable home run in Game 6 of the 2017 World Series. In addition to his on-field success, Pederson was also a fan favorite and was known for his engaging personality and fun-loving attitude.

Move to the Chicago Cubs

Pederson’s Move to the Cubs

In January 2021, Pederson signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, marking the first time he had played for a team other than the Dodgers in his Major League career.

Pederson was brought in to provide some much-needed power to the Cubs’ lineup and was expected to play primarily in the outfield.

His Performance With the Team

Pederson got off to a slow start with the Cubs, hitting just .137 in April. However, he picked up his performance in May and June, hitting six home runs and driving in 15 runs during that time. Overall, Pederson hit .230 with 11 home runs and 39 RBIs in 73 games for the Cubs.

Why Pederson Was Not Retained by the Cubs

Despite his solid performance for the Cubs, Pederson was not retained by the team after the 2021 season. The Cubs were in the midst of a rebuilding phase and were looking to shed salary, and Pederson’s contract was not seen as a good fit for the team’s future plans.

Additionally, Pederson’s struggles against left-handed pitching, along with the team’s desire to give playing time to younger players, likely contributed to the decision to let him go.

Arrival at the San Francisco Giants

How Pederson Came to Be With the Giants

In January 2022, Pederson signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. The Giants were in need of some left-handed power in their lineup and saw Pederson as a potential fit. Pederson was expected to compete for playing time in the outfield and at first base.

How He Fits Into the Giants’ Lineup

Pederson provides the Giants with some much-needed power from the left side of the plate. He is expected to primarily play against right-handed pitching, with the team likely to use a platoon at first base. Pederson’s ability to play the outfield also gives the Giants some flexibility in their lineup.

His Performance in Spring Training

In Spring Training, Pederson had a solid performance, hitting .278 with five hits in 18 at-bats over seven games. He also played first base for the first time in his career, indicating that he is continuing to learn the position in order to provide more versatility for the Giants.

Pederson’s performance in Spring Training was seen as encouraging, and he is expected to compete for playing time in the regular season.

Joc Pederson’s Career Statistics in the Major Leagues (2014-2021)

FAQs

Has Joc Pederson ever won any awards or accolades in his career?

Yes, Pederson was selected to the National League All-Star team in 2015, and he won a Silver Slugger award for his performance that same year.

How did Joc Pederson get his start in baseball?

Pederson’s father, Stu Pederson, was a minor league outfielder in the Dodgers organization. Joc grew up around baseball and was introduced to the sport at a young age. He played high school baseball in California and was drafted by the Dodgers in the 11th round of the 2010 MLB draft.

What position does Joc Pederson primarily play?

Pederson is primarily an outfielder, but he has also played some first base in recent years.

Does Joc Pederson have any notable achievements in the postseason?

Yes, Pederson has been a key contributor to the Dodgers’ postseason success in recent years. In the 2017 World Series, he hit three home runs and drove in five runs in seven games.

What is Joc Pederson’s contract status with the San Francisco Giants?

Pederson signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Giants in January 2022.

Conclusion

Joc Pederson has had a successful career in the Major Leagues, highlighted by his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although he struggled at times with the Chicago Cubs, he has found a new opportunity with the San Francisco Giants.

Pederson’s ability to provide left-handed power and play multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for the Giants. As the 2022 season gets underway, it will be interesting to see how Pederson performs with his new team and how he contributes to their success.