By now, most Dodger fans are pretty much buckled into their seats, jaws set, and holding on for the ride. Spring Training is (hopefully) only weeks away, and people are waiting with bated breath for any other moves their beloved team may make.
Fans are hungry for what may be coming down the pike from the front office after whetting their appetites with some modest moves thus far this off-season. The other side of that coin are the player losses fans have suffered, with several key players moving into free agency and signing elsewhere.
The recent loss of free-agent utility infielder/outfielder Kiké Hernández to the Boston Red Sox and on-going rumors that beloved third baseman Justin Turner is shopping his talents and experience on the free-agent market has overshadowed other players who are in similar situations, as they, too, ponder their respective futures.
That said, rumors were flying on Thursday afternoon that 28-year-old outfielder Joc Pederson might be in free-agent talks with the Dodgers’ fiercest rivals, the San Francisco Giants.
It is always difficult for fans to watch players who they have followed closely throughout their Dodgers careers to A) Leave the team; B) Add insult to injury by going to their most bitter rivals.
Early Friday morning, Dodger fans woke up to social media reports that Pederson had indeed signed with another team; however, it was not with ‘The Hated Ones.’ Instead, the (now) former Dodger had signed with the Chicago Cubs, to the tune of one-year and $7 million – pending a physical.
Good for Joc and good for Dodger fans, as at least it wasn’t to the Giants.
This is the second time Dodger fans have had to deal with Pederson leaving the team … sort of. Last year, Joc was named in a three-way trade that would have sent him to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, with the Los Angeles Dodgers of Los Angeles getting right fielder Mookie Betts from the Boston Red Sox. Although part of that trade fell through, the Dodgers eventually landed Betts and left-hander David Price from Boston and kept Pederson.
Pederson was an 11th-round draft pick by the Dodgers out of Palo Alto High School in 2010. Ironically, his dad Stu Pederson was also an outfielder for the Dodgers back in 1985, albeit for only eight games, during which he went 0-for-4. His eldest brother Champ, who has Down syndrome, has been a staple in the Dodgers dugout for Joc and the entire team.
Whether as an everyday player or, more recently, in a platoon role, Joc made many great contributions to the team. And though he leaves the Dodgers with a seven-year career slash line of .230/.336/.470/.806, it is impossible to ignore his postseason numbers, especially during the month of October, which earned him the (appropriate) nickname ‘Joctober.’
In his 64 games played during the month of October, Joc posted a slash line of .272/.349/.503/.852, with nine home runs, eight doubles, and 20 RBI.
But wait … there’s more!
During the 2020 postseason, Pederson posted an alien-like slash line of .382/.432/.559/.991 with two home runs and eight RBI to help lead the Dodgers to their first World Series championship in 32 years.
‘Joctober’ indeed.
Dodger fans may also recall that Pederson made it into the final round of the Home Run Derby during the 2015 All-Star Break. He would ultimately lose to (then) Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier , but he did not go quietly.
One of Pederson’s more recent and comical moments occurred during a game against the Giants in 2020. On a 1-2 count in the bottom of the sixth inning, Joc swung late and missed the ball for the second out. With the lack of fans in the stands due to COVID-19 restrictions, everyone could hear the frustration in Joc’s colorful language as he walked around before returning to the dugout.
As noted, Joc leaves the Dodgers as a World Series Champion, which no doubt added to his free-agent appeal. He also built a strong reputation for playing the outfield with tremendous heart and often made outstanding run-saving plays. His famed “JocPop,” his fancy glovework, and his passion for the game will be missed in Los Angeles, but we wish him well.
All the best to you and your family, Joc! Till the next matchup.
Play Ball!