Today, the Braves and Joc Pederson declined the latter’s mutual option for the 2022 season, making him a free agent for the second consecutive offseason.
We don’t know where Joc and his “bad b*tch” necklace will end up, or if we’ll have another “Joctober.” But after hitting 18 home runs with the Cubs and Braves, he’ll be highly coveted by several teams. Here are three clubs who should try and reel him.
Chicago Cubs
Jed Hoyer has said he wants to spend this offseason and lay the groundwork for the next great Cubs team. Perhaps he could start with Pederson.
Pederson signed with the Cubs in late January and provided them with an immediate spark. A little more outfield depth wouldn’t hurt them, especially after Jason Heyward hit a mere .214 in the regular season. He would also give them a solid lefty bat that they sort of lack now that Anthony Rizzo is gone.
Cincinnati Reds
After Nick Castellanos opted out of his contract, and with reports that the Reds want to shed some payroll, that doesn’t exactly bode well for Cincinnati fans hoping he comes back.
But the Reds have come a long way the past few years. They earned a spot in the expanded postseason last year, and had control of the second Wild Card for much of the second half, until the Cardinals went on their 17-game surge and buried everyone.
Pederson would obviously be cheaper than Castellanos, but if the Reds want to remain competitive while shedding payroll, this would be the way to do it.
Atlanta Braves
After winning a championship in Atlanta, he may end up staying there. The Braves would be crazy to not try and bring him back, even with Ronald Acuna Jr healthy.
Pederson just brought great energy to the clubhouse. And who’s to say that they won’t see another “Joctober” next year. He’s endeared himself to Atlanta fans and provide some left-handed pop. It’s possible, however unlikely, that Freddie Freeman departs. In the event he does, keeping Pederson would make sense.
For more MLB coverage, click here.
