Joc Pederson’s late-season surge could change everything for the Rangers

During what's been an incredibly frustrating season, there have been few Texas Rangers players more maligned than Joc Pederson. The first baseman and designated hitter have had a rough one, both at the plate and physically, thanks to a broken bone in his hand. With truly terrible numbers on the season overall, it's no surprise that frustrated fans have directed their ire at the free agent signing. However, since coming back from injury and getting back into the (ahem) swing of things, Pederson is having a great month of August.

It's a small sample size for sure, but Pederson's turnaround since returning from a long IL stint has to be seen as good news for the Rangers. Signed to a two-year deal worth $10 million per year over the winter, he'll almost certainly be back in 2026. If he can come closer to his August numbers next year, he could be a key piece in the middle of Texas' lineup.

Joc Pederson is having a hot August for the Texas Rangers

Despite slashing just .161/.281/.294/.575 overall this season, he's got a rather robust slashline of .277/.358/.511/.869 this month. He's also hit 3 of his 5 homers on the season in August.

His hot streak includes late-inning heroics, including on Friday night against the Cleveland Guardians. Trailing in the bottom of the 9th, the Rangers blitzed the Guardians with three straight hits, including Pederson delivering the winning run. In total, he went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI.

Not only is Joc Pederson playing better than he has all season, but his game-winning hit allowed the Texas Rangers to hold onto their slim chance of making the playoffs. Now, he and they need to continue producing.