The Arizona Diamondbacks, despite reaching the 2023 World Series, have had a busy offseason.
Far from being content with their 2023 progress, they want to take things to the next level in 2024 and win it all.
They know that, to do that, they need to invest.
They have done just that, bringing in star pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez, power-hitting third baseman Eugenio Suarez, and retained outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
They also brought in backup catcher Tucker Barnhart.
Their work, however, is not done.
The front office, led by general manager Mike Hazen, is still looking for a power bat.
According to MLB insider Buster Olney, they have their sights set on Joc Pederson.
“The Diamondbacks have been talking with free agent outfielder Joc Pederson. They’ve been looking for a DH type,” he tweeted.
The Diamondbacks have been talking with free agent outfielder Joc Pederson. They’ve been looking for a DH type.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 25, 2024
Pederson had a relatively modest season with the San Francisco Giants in 2023, hitting .235/.348/.416 with 15 home runs and a .764 OPS.
Pederson, however, is a career .800 OPS hitter with 186 home runs.
He is the perfect “DH type” for the Diamondbacks to pursue.
He takes walks, and he hits home runs: despite a relatively low batting average, he keeps his OPS high because of those two skills.
Pederson would come in handy for the D-Backs lineup as they look to embark on a similar run like last year.
Despite a relatively modest regular-season record, they eliminated the Milwaukee Brewers, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Philadelphia Phillies on their way to the Fall Classic, where they fell to the Texas Rangers.
Adding Pederson, a known postseason performer too (12 playoffs home runs, .814 OPS), would be a boost to their chances.
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