The Texas Rangers aimed to strengthen their roster for another World Series run, but many of their offseason moves have backfired — none more so than their signing of Joc Pederson. Zachary Rotman of FanSided recently slammed the team for the two-year, $37 million contract they gave to the veteran slugger.
Rotman admitted he was initially optimistic about the deal, believing Pederson’s strength against right-handed pitching would bolster an already solid lineup. However, he now calls it one of the offseason’s biggest failures. Pederson has struggled mightily, batting just .171 with seven home runs and 18 RBIs in 72 games. After a miserable start (4-for-61), his performance has slightly improved, but his .609 OPS still reflects a rough year.
At the time, the signing wasn’t widely criticized. Pederson had a reputation as a power hitter with 30- to 40-home run potential. But in hindsight, the decision to commit $37 million to an aging, platoon-only designated hitter looks questionable. Pederson doesn’t play defense, struggles against left-handed pitching, and lacks speed — all of which diminish his overall value. The Rangers are now stuck with a costly contract and minimal return on their investment.
