Joc Pederson slowly merging into the hitter Rangers hoped they'd get two offseasons ago

It's been a long time coming but the Texas Rangers might finally be getting the Joc Pederson they signed two offseasons ago.

No stranger that the experiment with the 32-year-old Pederson has consisted of way more cons than pros since he joined the team on a two-year, $37 million deal prior to last season. Finishing his first year in Arlington with a career low .181 average and nine home runs, fans were begging for Pederson's release all winter.

Fast forward to game 23 of the season and while Pederson's numbers aren't popping off the page in dramatic fashion, the designated hitter might be rounding into form.

Pederson's numbers not stellar but the moments have been bigger

Having played 20 games for the Rangers during the 2026 season, Pederson is currently hitting .229 with a home run, three RBIs, eight walks and 11 hits in 58 plate appearances. Not numbers he produced early in his career with the Dodgers but impactful.

It's the moments more than the numbers where Pederson has shown his worth early in the season. On the team's recent 10-game road trip, Pederson batted nearly .400 and coming up big in late game, clutch moments for the team.

During the Rangers wild wind-aided series finale in Sacramento on April XX, Pederson drove in the go-ahead ninth inning run which led to a four-run frame, which translated to a 9-6 Texas win to even the series.

Hig biggest strength has perhaps been his ability to get on base, sitting at a 13.8 percent walk rate, which is good for 80th percentile among MLB leaders. Pederson has also been knocking the cover off the ball, averaging a 92.9 mph exit velo with a 55.9 percent hard-hit rate (93rd percentile).

How far is Pederson away from earning his salary?

With the pain he's passed along to Rangers' fans over the last season plus, it's hard to guarantee he will ever get to that moment. Only one possible outcome exists and that's where he hits 25-30 home runs and plays a key contributor in a postseason run for Texas this fall.

Exactly what I mean. It's nearly impossible to do so.

What isn't impossible would be Pederson hitting at least 20+ homers and mixing in a walk-off or two, a clutch late-inning walk or a pinch-hitting single with bases loaded to further extend a lead.

Major question is if that is worth the $37 million Texas has paid Pederson to wear their uniform for the two seasons. A lot would say, it was a right direction toward progress but it still wouldn't be enough.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow