Why Joc Pederson could fit in with the Texas Rangers

MLB free agency has begun, and the Texas Rangers are looking for ways to improve their roster for next season. One slugger the Rangers should consider is outfielder Joc Pederson. It was recently announced that he declined his mutual option with the Arizona Diamondbacks and will become a free agent.

Multiple teams are considering adding Pederson to their roster this winter. It would be beneficial to bring a bat like his to the lineup. Let's look at how Joc Pederson would fit into the Rangers current arrangement.

Why Joc Pederson could fit in with the Texas Rangers

Pederson is an exciting bat that the Rangers could add to their lineup, and he would do well as a designated hitter. While Jonah Heim did an excellent job in that role, I would rather have him focus on being a catcher. Pederson finished the season with a .275 batting average and 64 RBIs. That is a bat that would bolster a Rangers' offense that felt lackluster in 2024.

There will be times next season when an outfielder needs a day off. Not everyone on the Rangers' roster is like Marcus Semien, who can play every game for an entire year. The Rangers don't know how well Evan Carter will play next season after having back issues. That is just one potential situation where Pederson could be inserted into the outfield and provide a much-needed presence.

Pederson could also bring a veteran presence to the Rangers' roster. Clubs enjoy having a balanced roster of young players and older veterans. Travis Jankowski has been one of those veterans for the last couple of seasons. While I would love to bring Jankowski back for another season, Pederson's bat would lift the offense while providing Jankowski's veteran presence in the clubhouse.

I'm sure the Rangers have a list of free agents they want to sign. Re-signing Nathan Eovaldi and Kirby Yates are probably Chris Young's top priorities. However, they also must consider fixing the outfield because of the uncertainty of Carter's back issues. The defensive flexibility Pederson could offer and his ability to slug are two advantages the Rangers will need next season. It should be a no-brainer for Young to sign the seasoned vet, even if it's only for a season.