FEB. 5: The mutual option includes a $10MM salary or a $2.5MM buyout, Jon Heyman of MLB Network tweets. Pederson could also earn an extra $125K for 500, 525, 550 or 575 plate appearances.
JAN. 29, 9:05am: There’s a mutual option for the 2022 season on the contract as well, Sherman tweets. As with many mutual options, it comes with a notable buyout, so Pederson’s actual 2021 salary will come in a ways south of that $7MM sum. (Option buyouts are always included in the “guaranteed” portion of a contract.)
Mutual options are typically used as accounting measures more than anything else. A player who overperforms his contract will generally decline his half of the option in favor of a return to market in search of a more lucrative deal; similarly, a player who underperforms may opt into his side of the deal, but the team will turn down its half in those settings. It’s not unprecedented for both sides to exercise a mutual option, but it is quite rare. In other words, the overwhelming likelihood is that Pederson will again be on the open market next winter.
8:30am: It’s a one-year, $7MM deal for Pederson, tweets ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The contract carries an additional $500K of available incentives, tweets Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Passan suggests that the Cubs will give Pederson an opportunity to play on an everyday basis rather than platooning him — a component of the deal that was particularly appealing for Pederson.
7:24am: The Cubs are in agreement on a deal with free-agent outfielder Joc Pederson, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (via Twitter). The Excel Sports Management client’s contract is still pending the completion of a physical.
Pederson, 28, represents the first notable addition of the offseason for a Cubs team that has otherwise been quiet on the free-agent front this winter (small deals with Austin Romine and Kohl Stewart notwithstanding). Pederson, in fact, will become the most prominent name to sign a free-agent deal with the Cubs since Craig Kimbrel. The team has generally eschewed the pursuit of notable free agents in each offseason since signing Yu Darvish to a six-year deal, as owner Tom Ricketts has openly lamented a lack of resources and declared 2020’s revenue losses to be “biblical” in proportion.
Chicago, of course, traded Darvish and Victor Caratini to the Padres earlier this season and non-tendered Kyle Schwarber as well. They’ll reinvest some of those savings into this deal with Pederson, though it’s at least something of an odd fit given the vast similarities he has to Schwarber. Pederson is a career .230/.336/.470 hitter to Schwarber’s .230/.336/.480 batting line, though Pederson has put up that nearly identical line in a more pitcher-friendly setting (hence the gap in their respective 118 and 113 wRC+ marks).
Both left-handed hitters are largely considered to be platoon bats, and as is the case with their overall numbers, their splits against righties are nearly identical: .238/.349/.501 for Pederson against .239/.345/.514 for Schwarber. The same five-point gap in wRC+ (128 vs. 123) leans in favor of Pederson because of his home park. The primary difference seemingly comes down to defense, where Pederson has a solid track record in left field and Schwarber has been consistently below average. Still, it’s rather surprising to see the Cubs go out and sign a player whose offense is a near-mirror image of an established clubhouse presence they cast aside not two months ago.
With Pederson on board, the Cubs’ projected payroll jumps to about $152MM for the upcoming season, although future dealings could still impact that number. Both Willson Contreras and Kris Bryant are still candidates to be moved prior to Opening Day, with Bryant in particular standing out as a candidate given his lone remaining year of club control (at a hefty $19.5MM salary). The Cubs also figure to explore extensions with Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez as the season approaches.
Frickster1402
Huh?
iml12
I had the same reaction when I just looked at my phone.
ABCD
Finally. Maybe a starting pitcher more than $1 million is in the cards.
ABCD
Time for a makeover.
lwaba
You spelled his last name wrong
ABCD
Thanks!
chitown311
Cubs countering Cardinals trade for Arrenado
oldmansteve
Countering future moves is the 4D chess move.
chitown311
Checkmate Steve Nebraska
iml12
Sox trolls not happy. Must be a good move.
S.S. Schnitzel
Seriously?
Dumpster Divin Theo
iml lives a full life. Ever vigilant
iml12
A white Sox fan with zero substance, zero humor, and 3 accounts, a triple threat poster.
ASapsFables
For what it’s worth, seeing on Twitter today from White Sox insider(s) that Pederson turned down $10MM from the ChiSox back in December when he was still seeking a multi-year deal. If true, he lost out on $3MM and a better chance to get to the postseason and earn another ring.
ASapsFables
Per article: “The White Sox offered Pederson a one-year contract worth at least $10 million, but he asked for more money and was turned down, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The club filled its hole with Adam Eaton. He signed a one-year, $7-million deal with a club option for 2022 last month.” (latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2021-01-29/joc-pe…)
Chief Two Hands
Arenado is rumored to be on the the verge of being traded (often to the Cards, in particular) so frequently it practically seems constant. I won’t be able to take those rumors seriously until it actually happens.
jediknight
I second that reaction.
mj-2
The Braves were in on him until the end but just fell short
arthur blank_for owner
Exactly MJ…I heard the same lol. Seems like a true story smh
ChiSox_Fan
Another .190 hitter!
Laughable.
downsr30
They already had the same player in Schwarber.. Pederson is just a little better defensively.
eli_b_wcl
And he also has giant platoon splits.
AZPat
Didn’t they let Schwarber go? To the Nats?
cookmeister 2
That’s why he said “had”
iml12
Defensive upgrade, I guess. This is strange but I am happy. They desperately needed another outfielder.
VonPurpleHayes
I prefer Pederson to Schwarber. So a slight upgrade IMO.
drasco036
Solid pick up by the Cubs, a little confusing considering the Cubs needed a right handed bat to counteract the outfield offensive drop off against left handed pitching but maybe the Cubs can play KB more in left against lefties and have Bote play third on those occasions.
I’m just excited that the Cubs made an honest effort to improve their roster!
Smokin Joe Charboneau
The Cubs have signed three right-handed hitters this off-season,
drasco036
A right handed hitter that is actually going to play.
Mikel Grady
Bryant will start in of and bote at 3rd for most of season . Kolten Wong and a good 2/3 starter from winning division .
LordD99
Cheaper than Schwarber and a better fielder.
16endgame24
truth
adkuchan
Peterson is getting 3 million less. Joc walks less, but also strikes out less. I say a net positive for if Cubs.
grizz
Schwarber would have only been in the 7-8 mil range via Arbitration or 1-year deal avoiding Arb had the cubs not declined to pickup his final year.
Chief Two Hands
Peterson both strikes out a lot and walks a lot.
Chief Two Hands
Pederson*. It’s pretty obnoxious that auto-correct switches his name to Peterson.
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
Schwarber is underrated defensively. All the talking heads have judged him since the 2015 nlcs. Two missed played opportunities and saddening hes worst tha Nelson Cruz (circa 2011)
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
Suddenly*
2020WorldChampions
Joc in Wrigley…..Good lord. He’ll hit 35- 40 jacks this year if he sees 140 games.
That swing plays extra large at Wrigley field. It’s a smart move by Pederson. Put up numbers , then re-enter the market next year
16endgame24
Or, more likely, resign with the Cubs.
mohomer
Definitely wasn’t expecting this
ullnvrknw
What?
BobSacamano
Cinderella story?
8ManLineupNoPitcherNoDH
I mean, why bother?
iml12
Because everyone else in the division isn’t good either.
miggy4prez
I hate your handle
S.S. Schnitzel
And I like yours.. How could you not love Miggy?
LordD99
His handle actually is the correct solution and one the game’s founders would likely have implemented if they got a do-over.
73* 3
No they wouldn’t. Because back then pitchers could hit. Ever hear of this guy named Babe Ruth? The solution is teach pitchers to hit again. There’s no reason why they can’t.
S.S. Schnitzel
In a different time, maybe. The last thing an MLB Owner wants to see is a member of his expensive starting rotation standing in the batter’s box
stymeedone
@73*3
I will counter your Babe Ruth with Joaquin Andujar!
LordD99
They were seriously discussing the DH more than 100 years back, and they recognized pitchers were weak hitters comparatively to the position players dating to the late 1800s. If you have to resort to an outlier like Babe Ruth in your argument, then you’ve lost the argument. Yeah, if they realized how that trend would reach ineptitude, they likely would have prevented it from the start.
Brian Petti
No, I’ve never heard of Babe Ruth. Could he hit?
.
Denman666
There are countless reasons pitchers can’t hit. Even if they have the innate ability, they only play every 5th day and they have to focus on the mechanics of pitching most of their off days: there is no way to stay sharp as a hitter In the modern game, both hitting and pitching have become so specialized that it makes little sense to “teach pitchers to hit”. The attempt would only detract from their effectiveness as pitchers while hardly improving their proficiency as hitters.
KCJ
Its a candy bar. Got nothing to do with baseball
HistoryBelongstotheVictorsInArms
Greinke Though…
leftcoast11 - pyramidsuccess
Heard he pitched
The Saber-toothed Superfife
Yeah. It really STINKS they have taken the beanball completely out of the equation……baseball will never be the same. A reflection of the people who play the game.
johnrealtime
I mean either he helps them compete or if the team is not competitive then they trade him at the deadline for prospects. I don’t understand these comments
16endgame24
It is a win-win for both the Cubs and Pederson. He’ll likely fall in love with Wrigley and sign long-term.
609Collectibles
We’ll see what the terms are. Thought he would have been the perfect insurance policy on Cutch & Harper in Philly and give them the left handed power bat that they are lacking.
Also I’m reading the Arenado trade talks with St. Louis are picking up steam. Surpised that hasnt been reported on here.
John Kappel
where are you reading this? I find it highly unlikely that St. Louis picks up any of that contract.
jaysfansince1977
Both Rosenthal and Heyman are reporting on it on Twitter
whyhayzee
Why would a trade rumor be reported here?
Oh.
Hey you’re pretty good what’s your name?
It’s right there on your guitar.
Technically correct
Samsonite! I was way off.
Robrock30
Nice I like Joc
Captain Dunsel
I find nothing jocular about this signing.
Cobby
I had the over that this comment was coming. Well done.
budman3 2
Some people may be a little out of touch about the Cubs, I guess.
whyhayzee
First Loup, now Joc. The Lama is going to sign next and he’s a big hitter.
neubs 2
….and the Cubs told him after round…They’ll be no money…HA!
bravesfan
Good, this means the Braves won’t sign him. Which was a serious enough concern …
Appalachian_Outlaw
I’m disappointed because I wanted the Braves to sign him. I guess the plan is to hope Freddie and RAJ hit 90hrs each this year.
FredMcGriff for the HOF
@ Appalachian. Might be. AA better do something or it’s not looking good. We’ve lost more than we’ve gained and other teams have got better. At least extend Freddie or Braves fans might run AA out of Atlanta.
Appalachian_Outlaw
Yeah, the rotation is unquestionably better. Every other area of the team will be downgraded from what we saw last year, as it stands. I felt Pederson would have been a good bridge to Waters, and he only cost 7m dollars.
FredMcGriff for the HOF
I agree. I’ve been a fan since 1994. This is a painful offseason to watch considering the talent on this team and how close they came last year to going all the way. There are big needs and they aren’t being met. Bats keep coming off the board and I don’t want to trade prospects for 1 year rentals…. 3 relievers gone 2 big bats gone etc…
Curveball1984
Pederson would’ve destroyed in Truist Park.
Mr_KLC
That announcement came out of right field.
Dotnet22
Cubs sign minor leaguers and everybody cries cheap. They sign a legit ML OF and everyone cries what’s the point. Typical whiny Cubs fans.
ortsacnilrats
I don’t think the people complaining here are Cubs fans. I’m pleasantly surprised with this. I feel like Joc wasn’t utilized in LA because of their massive depth. Maybe there is room to grow yet too?
iml12
Nl central doesn’t have many left handed starters. This might be a sneaky good move. They upgrade defensively and remained neutral offensively.
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
As a cubs fan I’d rather have Kyle Schwarber. He’s better overall. Pederson is slightly better defensively but he doesn’t have the arm to throw would be runners trying for a double. Now Happ is their best defensive player and he’s severely underrated. He doesn’t get enough love.
Maybe because talking heads love talking scheisse about them. They always have. That’s all because of their moniker ‘the lovable lovers”
ASapsFables
@wrek305
Ian Happ is an average MLB center-fielder at best. The Joc Pederson signing will keep Happ as the Cubs starting CF on most days with Pederson manning LF. To suggest that “Happ is their best defensive player” is nonsense. He’s not even the Cubs best defensive outfielder with Jason Heyward still manning RF.
JoeBrady
I questioned that elsewhere. I am full on-board with the Joc>Pederson issue. But if they spent $7M on Joc, could they have gotten JBJ for $16M/2? All things being equal, Happ-JBJ-Heyward feels a whole better than Joc-Happ-Heyward. Joc’s a better hitter than JBJ, but maybe not by a huge amount. But the defense becomes really good if JBJ goes CF and Happ to LF.
16endgame24
Pederson is going from a major league centerfielder , when he started, to playing left field. Schwarber went from being a catcher to playing left field. They are similar in basic hitting stats. Pederson has a huge advantage in the field. He cover more ground, has as strong of an arm and knows how to take routes to the ball. Pederson strikes out less, and is an overall better big-game player. I appreciate all Schwarber did to help us win in in 2016, but this “trade” was a slam dunk for the Cubd.
johnrealtime
Definitely not cub fans. Typical cub trolls is more like it
Erik
Whiny??? When they lose pitching it really doesn’t matter for them to make offensive moves as much. They’re definitely retooling offensively but their pitching just took a couple steps back
djmac
It may be time to actually let some of the Theo era pitching draft picks come up and be part of the rotation. Cory Abbott appears to be ready, a college kid who is 25 now and has succeeded as a starter at every level they’ve moved him to. There’s also Alzolay but the question with him is: SP or RP? Their starting lefty prospect, Marquez, would appear to need another 1/2 year at least in the minors so will Jed be allowed to sign a remaining starting FA lefty like Jim Paxton? Are recent injury issues too much to consider Paxton?
CaptainCanada
I am a cubs fan and not crying at all, this the first major move in quite some time and an outfielder was on the list of many other holes to fill..
Can’t wait to see him when the wind blows out.
fox471 Dave
Cubs fans will love Joc. He plays with energy, great attitude and is a terrific teammate.
16endgame24
Yeah, I am a Cub fan since way before they were ever this good for this long. New Cub fans would never have lasted in the 70’s. That was a brutal stretch. They’d rather stay mediocre than reload for another run.
beyou02215
Thought he made a kit of sense for the Braves. We’ll see what happens.
Robrock30
Waveland Avenue will have some new record dingers
leftyleftylefty
Got your streets wrong. Sheffield.
Almost tho.
Robrock30
I was just checking to see if anyone was paying attention. LOL
I went to school in Chicago from mid 70’s to early 80’s and used to watch Mets vs Cubs from a rooftop overlooking Left Field.
More recently I watched a game inside Wrigley vs. Cardinals which was the Game Dexter Fowler returned to a standing ovation and the manager ex catcher Ross was in the booth during 7th inning stretch.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Were you the mayor of Rush st
Robrock30
Actually I spent alot of time on Rush Street as it was happening back in my day not so much now.
Some of the bars remain but most are gone. Mothers FU Underground is still there which was a great rock bar which also had wet t shirt nights. The Band Chicago played there before my time as they had already left the City before my arrival. One of my finest nights there I became an extra in the Film Doctor Detroit and I am in the nightclub scene right by the glass when they are running out into the street.
paindonthurt
Now you have two starting outfielders that can’t hit lefties. One can’t hit righties very well. Odd signing unless it’s a one year deal on the cheap and they believe he can be flipped.
iml12
How is this an odd signing? They needed an outfielder and he’s one of the best available this offseason.
paindonthurt
It’s not as “odd” when I see it’s for $7 mil. I thought he would get closer to the Schwarber number. You are correct in, he is the best option at that dollar amount. The one year deal allows the opportunity to trade him if they do not contend.
iml12
Anyone would of preferred Brantley or Springer but Pederson might very well be the third best option on the board. This is a solid all around signing.
Dumpster Divin Theo
trade him for wot? Half a bag of chips in July from someone needing a platoon bat?
16endgame24
And, as said here, because it had an option attached, the actual deal is less. Maybe just a little over half what Schwarber got in Washington. Seems to bring all we had with Schwarber, plus some speed on the bases and much better defense.
16endgame24
They don’t call him Joctober for nothing. He gets better as the game gets bigger. I doubt they need to trade him, but if they do he’ll bring back a too prospect or two.
keysox
Maybe Theo wasn’t all bad. This new guy is a complete idiot.
Dumpster Divin Theo
You rang?
16endgame24
Explain.
erauber
What a Joc
maximumvelocity
Remember two weeks ago when everyone on the south side of Chicago acted like they won the offseason?
That one year of Lance Lynn and overpay for a closer isn’t looking so hot now, especially when they could have used someone like Pederson.
paindonthurt
The Sox are a better team and have had a much better offseason to this point. Don’t see an argument with that.
chitown311
Overpay for a closer? You do know you the Cubs pay closer Craig Kimbrel $16mm per year? That they don’t use as a closer anymore?? I get it, you must be one of those 2 year wonder Cubs fans to not know that
Smokin Joe Charboneau
So both Chicago teams have overpaid closers? I don’t think either Chicago team has had a good off-season. I agree the Sox look to have a more talented roster, but they could have made great strides this off-season, and except for the IFA signing, haven’t.
1984wasntamanual
I forgot that because one team made a mistake, that means the other one can’t have made the same mistake.
maximumvelocity
I’m very much a White Sox fan. They promised to make moves this off-season, and the results in comparison to other teams is underwhelming.
Anthony Princeton
Stop it you are being absurd. White Sox picked up one of the ten best starting pitchers in MLB over the last 2 seasons, the best closer in MLB over the last 2 seasons, an OF that maintained an OBP of at least .361 from ‘14 to ‘19, the best international prospect and the 15th best international prospect according to MLB.com and gave up Dane Dunning, Avery Weens and cash. They also picked up Len Kasper from the Cubs. It’s been a very successful offseason for the White Sox.
revolver
So glad I’ll never have to listen to Kasper again.
maximumvelocity
Great. What about DH? What about the 5th starter? And you left out the fact that Eaton has barely played since 2017. Cepedes may not be ready for two years.
The team had significant holes in the rotation (two spots), in RF, at DH. They also needed a closer (but had in-house candidates) and a backup catcher.
They nailed it with Lynn. Hendricks was nice, but a luxury in comparison to the more historical holes at DH and in RF. And they are still playing with fire with Lopez and a pitcher who hasn’t taken the mound in two years. Also, Mercedes and Collins are horrible defensive catchers.
Being absurd is to continue to overlook the holes this team has.
Dumpster Divin Theo
But, but, Joc Pederson
Catuli Carl
I’ve never been less able to relate to an opinion. Wow.
Dumpster Divin Theo
The top closer in baseball is a luxury but backfilling a 2nd catcher and DH (though the lineup is loaded and candidates on the 40 man abound) are unfilled priorities? Some fans just love to be miserable because
RatedRex
Len Kasper is horrible.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Princeton and Catuli nailed it. Max has maxed on day drinking.
maximumvelocity
Who are the candidates on the 40-man? Ones ready now? I can assure you there were more candidates to close than there are to DH.
ChiSoxCity
Are you serious? The Sox are a good hitting team, with various in-house options for DH. Any combination of Abreu, Grandal, Mercedes, Vaughn, Collins, Garcia and Jimenez (who I believe is the best option, and probably the best DH in the game if they can keep him out of LF). The fact that you are, still, so alarmist what is arguably the top roster in the AL says a lot about you.
Smokin Joe Charboneau
The Sox also overpaid for Eaton, and the manager hire is questionable. Though I am a Cubs fan, I don’t live in the Chicago area, so don’t hate the Sox like a native Cub fan might. But none of their moves (except signing the Cuban player), look real good.
CalcetinesBlancos
Overpaid for Eaton? They signed him for a year at $7 million lol. And the Cespedes signing is good, but that move excited me the least because he still has to prove himself at the MLB level.
Anthony Princeton
Haha, I haven’t seen this much bitterness from Cubs fans since 2005. Get over it, the dynasty isn’t happening. The Cubs are not a threat with their current pitching staff. Joc Pederson’s value will be at the trade deadline.
Oddvark
I’m a White Sox fan. too. I’m fine with the moves they have made. They are definitely upgrades, even if they are mostly modest ones compared to last year.
Regardless, my question for the other White Sox fans here is: do you think $7M was better spent on Eaton or Pederson?
I was never one of the fans who really wanted the Sox to sign Pederson, mostly because I was scared of the severe platoon splits, but I think he’s a better bet than Eaton right now. Pederson might suck against lefties even if given more consistent at bats against them, but he’s still going to crush righties. Eaton on the other hand might suck against lefties and be mediocre against righties (see 2020).
Priggs89
You don’t think it’s the least bit disingenuous to say “Pederson might suck against lefties even if given more consistent at bats against them, but he’s still going to crush righties. Eaton on the other hand might suck against lefties and be mediocre against righties (see 2020)”?
If you’re going to overreact to Eaton’s 2020 stats, I feel like you need to at least mention Joc’s. They were both absolutely terrible.
Eaton: .226/.285/.384 (.267/.318/.450 vs RHP)
Joc: .190/.285/.397 (.179/.276/.402 vs RHP)
Adam Eaton hasn’t had an OBP under .361 since 2013. Unless you think he’s completely washed, I think it’s safe to call his COVID season an outlier.
maximumvelocity
Adam Eaton has also had one full season since 2017.
For $1 million less, the White Dox could have signed someone who at least will much more likely be available on game day, which is the big problem with signing Eaton.
Or, at that amount, they could have STILL signed Pederson, created another platoon at DH, and protected themselves against an likely Eaton (and Garcia) injury.
Lynn is great. Hendricks is an expensive upgrade at a position of depth, but an upgrade nonetheless. But they are still flirting with disaster in RF, at DH, with the 5th starter, and have no backup catcher who is actually a catcher.
maximumvelocity
If Adam Eaton produces like last year, or every other year with the Nationals besides 2019, it will be an overpay, especially with other available (and more reliable) options on the market when he was signed.
I doubt Eaton would even have a deal by now. And given what Pederson just got, they probably could have gotten him cheaper.
iml12
The cubs opened up the wallet and I found a rational White Sox fan that isn’t a troll. Heading to play the mega millions.
Priggs89
Poor choice of words. If Adam Eaton performs like he did in 2017 or 2018, this contract will be a steal; he had a 123 and 124 wRC+ in those 2 years (he just couldn’t stay healthy for a full season). The only way this contract doesn’t work is if he performs like he did in 2020 (extremely unlikely) or plays less than ~100 games (much more likely).
And if “playing everyday” was a requirement for Joc, they’ll likely be happy they passed.
Catuli Carl
Who are you talking to? Get over what? The fact that Tom Ricketts traded Yu Darvish for B level teenage prospects, let Schwarber and Lester walk, and is determined to spend as little money as possible all while being a multi-billionaire? What a pointless comment.
Dumpster Divin Theo
If Joc could only fetch 7 now, not sure what a platoon bat with weak splits will get you in July when the Cubs fall out of contention
Dumpster Divin Theo
Opening up the wallet. Here come the Cubs!
Dumpster Divin Theo
And it looks like the Sox pivoted to Eaton after Joc demanded more than 10 million. On that basis a much wiser move. Eaton superior in the field and on the bases and fits in better with the Sox lineup which is already power laden. Sox need another table setter, not a boom or bust 3 outcomes guy best suited as a platoon bat
CalcetinesBlancos
No thanks if he wants to play every day.
Priggs89
“That one year of Lance Lynn and overpay for a closer isn’t looking so hot now”
Uh yes, they are… Those were both good moves. I must’ve missed all these other teams making substantial improvements. My memory probably isn’t great, but I feel like I can still count the teams actually trying to improve on one hand.
Oh yah, and Craig Edwards over at Fangraphs pegged the Hendriks contract as below market value FWIW.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Yeah with the benefit of 3 weeks of inaction from about 23 teams, those deals aren’t looking so hot now to maximum grumpy
Dumpster Divin Theo
Do you watch any baseball?
rondon
Surprising cause I thought they’d target a high OBP guy, which they badly need.
tedtheodorelogan
I like this, as I’m pretty sure I preferred both of JBJ and Rosario to Joc for the Giants. I’m not sold on Dubon being the everyday center fielder for a full season, so I’m leaning towards JBJ. Yaz looked bad out there and Dubon has all of 44 games experience. Those two are the only ones on the current roster who could reasonably expect to see time in center, and that doesn’t inspire much confidence.
Marty McRae
I mean, the Cubs DO have the money, and there are plenty more FA’s out there who could get them to the WS….if they want to go to the dance, they could.
mrblue2
There will be a lot of Joc supporters in Chicago now.
BigFred
Does anyone know what the Dodgers’ off-season strategy is? Not re-signing their own free agents and not signing any other free agents either? Trusting their own young players to fill holes I guess.
adkuchan
I would guess they have an eye on 2022, when Seager and Kershaw are unrestricted FAs. They will likely have to double Seager’s salary (at least) to keep him. Kershaw may not be worth 30 million a year anymore, but he won’t be cheap. Bellinger’s contract is going to keep jumping up through arbitration. Betts’ salary will continue to rise for the next 5-6 seasons as well.
I assume their strategy is around keeping their core together.
fred-3
Baez, Joc and Kikè are replaceable. They can’t lose Turner though
Robrock30
Good to pick him up for your fantasy team upside
watford dodger
Great team mate and player. Cubs fans will love him and Champ.
mike127
@ watford—-great that you say that—-during the World Series I told my son that Pederson was a lot more fun watching him and his reactions on the bench than in the field and at bat.
Bryzzo4417!
Absolutely a solid signing. Defensive upgrade to Schwarber with a similar bat. Will do nothing but help the team, First signing of the offseason that I can confidently say- well done.
Smokin Joe Charboneau
I’m probably too much of a Cub fan optimist, but I think a couple of the signings this off-season could be sneaky good. Matt Duffy, Max Schrock, Patrick Wisdom, Philip Ervin, Shelby Miller, etc. Someone could surprise and be useful.
Bryzzo4417!
Oh I agree, I guess to clarify, I more meant this is the first one I have almost absolute confidence will benefit the team. Thats not to say some of the Minor league signings or the lesser two major league ones wont be impactful.
Big Hurt
Wow – so I saw the Joc/Schwarber comparisons, so thought I’d go look at career numbers… INSANELY similar.
.236/.330/.470
.236/.330/.480
I actually had a flip back and forth a couple times to make sure it was right. Both coming off awful yet very similar seasons. Doppelgangers! Pederson is A LITTLE better defensively and splits are different, but still seems like a situation of liking someone else’s 2003 camry instead of YOUR 2003 accord.
Smokin Joe Charboneau
I’d argue that Joc is much better defensively, and can actually play CF in a pinch.
Big Hurt
I guess you could argue it, but I don’t think you’d win that. Just looking at dWAR and a few other metrics, Joc is slightly below average. If you consider Schwarber WAY below average, then I guess that could be true.
Smokin Joe Charboneau
I know Schwarber’s dWAR always seems better than he looks in the field. I’ve seen Joc enough to know he is better. And, like I said, you can stick Joc in CF for short periods if needed. You can’t do that with Schwarber.
I love Schwarber, my personal preference is to have him over Jocfor sentimental reasons,. But I’ve always thought Joc was a better player.
Big Hurt
@smoking joe – my eyes tell me the same thing as yours do re: Joc vs. Schwarber, so I’ll reluctantly agree that he’s an upgrade. 🙂 Having said that, the move is still a bit of a wash for me, but it’s not my money/team!
LetGoOfMyLeg
Same player but 3 million less $$
LordD99
Pederson is regarded as a better defender. dWAR does not an OFer make. They are similar players, but an overall slight nod to Pederson who will be a few million cheaper. I can understand where Cubs fans might have more of an emotional attachment to Schwarber, but this move does likely represent a mild upgrade at a cheaper price.
fox471 Dave
Joc is a good outfielder. Period. Disappointed he is going to another team, although like the Cubs. Wish him nothing but the best. He will be missed.
revolver
1 million. Schwarber was pegged for 8 million in arbitration before cubs non tendered him. Nats chose to give him 10 mill.
16endgame24
Schwarber is way below average. Pederson went from being a centerfielder to being a leftfielder. Schwarber went from being a catcher to being a left fielder. So, yeah, there really is no comparison in defense. Remember the time Schwarber was taken out in the middle of an inning in a big game because of his lackluster defense? Yeah, he’s in left for his bat. Pederson covers more ground and makes more plays. He’ll save more runs for Cub pitching. I don’t put much stock in over-analyzing stats for everything. Case in point: you may have a SS like Javy with tremendous range who saved a lot of runs, but because he is quicker and has better range he commits a few more errors, but makes more plays than a SS who has terrible range, but makes the plays right to him. The guy with less range would have a better pct., but Javy saved more runs. That’s the same way I see Pederson and Schwarber. One has a lot better range, so he may make an error on a ball Schwarber didn’t even get close to.
adkuchan
Joc K’s significantly less. Cubs had major problems putting the ball in play the last couple of seasons. Most other things are basically wash. Joc is getting 3 million less.
So I’d say the Camry has a sun roof and leather interior. lol
JoeBrady
Great analogy. I think there real value in negotiations is trying to get slightly the better in every deal. I think you get a slightly better player, plus enough savings to maybe add Melancon. It’s not the Mardi Gras, but it is useful.
Smokin Joe Charboneau
This signing makes the Cubs less mediocre. That’s an improvement, right? The least mediocre team will win the division, and while STL looks to be the least mediocre on paper, the Cubs, with bounce back seasons from their “stars” could actually .be less mediocre.
Anyway, it’s something.
drasco036
It gives me hope that they have some cash stacked aside for an actual rotation upgrade…. Fingers crossed for TJ Walker.
LarryR
So now we have Pederson and Heyward who can’t hit lefties. Dumb move
Smokin Joe Charboneau
Schwarber couldn’t hit lefties either. And if you are paying attention, you would know that Cubs signed three right handed hitters this off-season.
LarryR
Name one who’s an everyday player or an outfielder
Smokin Joe Charboneau
Philip Ervin is an outfielder.. Patrick Wisdom can (sort of) play corner outfield. Matt Duffy can play 3rd while KB moves to the outfield, None are every day players; one of them may prove to be a suitable platoon player.
Signing Joc isn’t dumb, Saying it is a dumb move because of his platoon splits is dumb. Not every player is a complete player.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Collection of misfit toys gotta love that. Barnstormin around the Great plains in that Little Miss Sunshine van. Maybe its Jed the Jenius
16endgame24
Agreed. Everything I’ve read about Pederson tells me we are getting a steal. He will be given more of a chance to bat against lefties with the Cubs because, well, the Dodgers had so much outfield death that they didn’t have to. So, maybe all it will take is more use on a regular basis versus lefties. He didn’t exactly have a huge sample size versus lefties.
MannyPineappleExpress9
I’m sure I remember Heyward absolutely crushing a Josh Hader pitch last season. I may be mistaken, or it was his only highlight against a lefty, but if my memory IS correct, you can always just watch that on a loop if it makes you feel better.
Bryzzo4417!
Schwarber couldnt hit lefties either, so Im not sure the complaint. They saved 3 million and got a guy who directly replaces Schwarber. The Cubs have given fans plenty of reason to be annoyed this offseason, this isnt one one of them.
revolver
They saved 1 million. Schwarber was projected to get 8 million in arbitration by this site before they non tendered him.
16endgame24
Pederdon isn’t getting a full $7 million this year, either. Part of that is a potential buy-out if they choose to not pick up his option year. If they pick it up, he decided to opt out, he doesn’t get the option money.
Cubfan4ever
Hmmm, trade deadline chip? All assuming it’s on a 1 yr deal.
paindonthurt
Yep
cjack12
I’d rather have Schwarber
dray16
horse apiece, same player almost, Joc probably better on D and is 3 million dollars cheaper
rundmc1981
Wow, 1/7M…? Raise your hand if you thought Wainwright would get more than Joc.
dray16
not raising mine
rundmc1981
Rally Ender will get paid more than Joc (8.7M). SMH
LarryR
So now we have Heyward and Pederson who can’t hit lefties.
baseballpun
*St. Louis call up Liberatore*
number1dodger
I wish Joc all the best success. He is mr clutch in the post season.
DarkSide830
huh
mrmackey
I was kind of hoping the Yankees would strap in Joc instead of going with Gardner for another year.
LordD99
Agreed, but $7M is too much with their self-imposed salary restriction.
mrmackey
Yeah the Cubs gave him very good $$ considering the market – guess they really had an itch for Joc.
Another year of Gardner makes me a sad panda.
JoeBrady
The idea of replacing Swchwarbr with Joc, and saving $3M in the process, is a pretty good move.
My question would be, if you are going to sign a lefty, wouldn’t you be better off maybe signing JBJ? For the sake of argument, call Joc and JBJ similar in value. But wouldn’t the defensive alignment bring in additional benefits by moving Happ to LF?
iml12
Id imagine Bradley will get more years and money but who knows. Pederson seems like a better hitter with some definite upside. I am honestly just happy left field won’t be a Nick Martini/Ervin platoon.
paindonthurt
He won’t go for one year at $7 mil. He’s a multiple year signing likely, or a significantly higher salary.
ThinkinBlue94 2
This is a solid pickup for the Cubs. His defense is serviceable and he has a ton of power against RHP and even though he doesn’t hit for AVG he still walks at an effective rate. Biggest downside is his inability to hit LHP (which might marginally improve since it sounds like he’ll be getting AB’s against them this year). Overall, Joc is an upgrade over Schwarber IMO.
paindonthurt
If they sign Wong to play 2nd, and add 3 more actual major league arms…you have an offseason
Bryzzo4417!
Sure, but thats clearly not the direction the Cubs want to take.. Shelling out a bunch of money to free agents when youve already made moves that suggest at least a minor rebuild. Id say it would be beneficial to give guys like Stewart, Miller, Alzolay, etc a chance to make a full year of starts
paindonthurt
It would not be a bunch of money. There is no reason they can’t sign Wong + a Walker type of pitcher. I agree with filling in with minor league talent. However, you have essentially 2 proven ML starters on the roster.
Bryzzo4417!
I can agree with some low end arms for sure.
Echopark
Crazy – the middle of the market is getting squeezed big time. Joc is definitely worth 7.5 on a no risk one-year. I bet he “chose” a one-year (over, say, a two year 14 mil) hoping the market is better next year and he has a good year. He will only be 29 after all.
Also, he can use the year to get in better shape – he was not last year – new father, COVID, etc
Moneyballer
Maybe the cubs views this as a lateral move that saves money. Pederson = Cheaper version of Kyle Schwarber. Nationals could have just signed Joc Pederson. Honestly, I think Joc is a platoon player but if the cubs can stomach his sub-.200 career average against lefties then more power to them. The trade off is a lot of homers at wrigley. Lukewarm on the move…he’ll be here for one disappointing season and that’s all.
iml12
Salary wise it’s probably the same. Schwarber wasn’t getting 10 million in arbitration. I see this as a pretty lateral move which is better than a negative move. I’ll take it!
CJ81
It was basically a free upgrade to the defense. Similar offense and price tag.
babybears
Love it.
Happ CF
Bryant 3rd
Rizzo 1st
Contreras C
Baez ss
Petersen LF
Hoerner 2nd
Heyward RF
Pitcher
Could use another infielder for some depth. But that should be a competitive lineup in the NL Central
Also need more pitcher depth.
Moneyballer
Kyle Petersen is batting 6th for the cubs? Questionable move.
Smokin Joe Charboneau
They have a number of serviceable backup infielders on the roster. Some think Hoerner needs some time at AAA; if the Cubs think that I would not be surprised to see them bring Kipnis back. Kip hit quite well against RHP last year, but probably played a little too much (and Hoerner too little).
Moneyballer
Chicago Dodgcubs
Curveball1984
It is ironic the players that have been associated with the two in the past couple years. Darvish, Hill, Morrow, Pederson… Even in FA, the connection with Harper between the two.
empirejim
Good for Joc! It remains to be seen if he can be an every day player, but I’m happy for him that he will get a shot. Thanks for the memories, Joc!
Oddvark
Was not expecting the Cubs to sign Pederson. But more surprised that Pederson only got 1/$7M regardless of the team he signed with. Really expected a 2+ year contract, probably with an AAV closer to $10M than $7M.
One way of looking at it might be that Joc decided he wanted to bet on himself and get back in the FA market next year when the pandemic is over and teams might be more willing to spend $$$. And the way that he could increase his value the most for next year’s market would be for him to prove that he can hit lefties and be an everyday starter, something he wasn’t given the opportunity to do in LA. So for a one-year prove-it contract, he may have especially valued one that allowed him to play everyday even if it paid him less. It’s a bet on himself, which I always like to see.
CNichols
I completely agree, 2Y/$20M was about what seemed like a fair ballpark for him so I’m pretty surprised that he didn’t get a second year and the AAV was lower.
Seems like good value for the Cubs. As a Padres fan I would rather have Joc at 1Y/$7M than Profar at 3Y/$21M as a fourth OF, but perhaps that’s the issue. Joc probably wanted to go somewhere he could start in order to earn his next deal.
yanks2323
Where were you Cashman? I am not for signing Gardee when we could have signed Joc; short right field porch … at least 20+ hr
cards667
Cardinals missed out big time! They needed his bat. Could have put O’Neill and Martinez together to salary relief and get a prospect to use or replace someone else traded out to get Arenado or Story or ?. With Bader splits and Pederson splits. Vs RHP Joc, Carlson, Fowler vs LHP Carlson, Bader, Fowler. Fowler a FA after 2021 and Carlson moves to RF. Think they just missed out on a big time need.
CJ81
I agree. Unfortunately, that plan has too many moving pieces the cards dont seem willing to move. They seem pretty set on giving bader, oneil, carlson the chance to be the future with fowler still getting starters minutes. I thought joc would be a nice bat to sort of alternate sitting oneil and bader or use as a dh. As disappointing as the cardinals OF has been the last couple years, the easier fix may actually be the infield. I know they are talking to CO about Arenado. But I think an easier and clear upgrade would be to sign 2 out of Turner, Gregorious, Wong, Schoop. Any 2bof them is a clear upgrade over the current combo of Carpenter and Edman.
babybears
I like the idea of trading Darvish if the Cubs can get a few decent pitchers that are left on the market. Getting prospects for him is not a bad thing when he has been inconsistent and injured in his career.
1 year deals are not going to hurt the Cubs right now. Give Archer 1 year 5 million if needed, Or someone else similar. It hurts nothing.
Oddvark
The newly added info that the contract may have a mutual option with a buyout makes Pederson’s deal sound even more like Schwarber’s which was 1 year/$7M plus a mutual option with a $3M buyout.
Could be nearly identical players getting nearly identical contracts.
iml12
Pederson appears to have 7 million guaranteed with the mutual option. Who knows until full details come out.
16endgame24
only, they aren’t identical on defense. Plus, Pederson puts the ball in play more. If this was a straight up trade the Cubs when that trade.
purplewidow
Cubs 152 mil and are gonna be at or near the bottom of the barrel and Theo doesn’t even stick around to take credit for the nightmare rebuild he has caused. At least sox got top prospects for sale and eaton and others.. Cubs getting junk returns dumping payroll and still have a massive payroll for the upcoming season. Tough when teams are stacking prospects and cutting payroll.. Cubs in real trouble and obviously going no where this year. Living only a 10 min walk to wrigley I def feel the disappointment in the neighborhood.. you mention Cubs and everyone gets upset. Negative reactions every time without fail. Awesome job for 152 mil. Adding a platoon guy for 7 mil….Lolol
iml12
Cubs won the division last year. This move puts them one step closer to doing it again.
JoeBrady
Meh, the RS have the same fans.
‘What! You mean they didn’t sign Bauer and trade for Trout? Total Fail!’
Dumpster Divin Theo
Don’t blame me. I’m rich beyatch!
tigerdoc616
Wow! That is quite a bit less than predicted. But I think he will do well playing in Wrigley.
diehardcubbie
I just don’t understand cutting Schwarber to sign Schwarber 2.0? So we saved maybe 1 mil from what we would have paid Schwarbs? Their career stats are crazy similar.
Schwarber: Career – .230/.336/.480
Season average of 24 HR, 56 RBI, 55 BB, 118 K, 1.4 oWAR, and -.72 dWAR.
Joc: Career – .230/.336/.470
Season average of 22 HR, 51 RBI, 51 BB, 102 K, 1.9 oWAR, and -.25 dWAR.
If it was truly about saving money they could have save way more than 1 mil and gone out and got someone like Dahl who signed for 2.7 mil, Renfroe who signed for 3.1, or Cameron Maybin who hasn’t signed yet but will probably go for cheaper than 7 mil. All those guys have comparable or better stats than Schwarber/Joc.
babybears
Nothing wrong with the savings of a few million and upgrading defense.
diehardcubbie
My point is why just save 1 mil. Could have got a number of OF that are just as good for half the price and truly saved money.
16endgame24
Exactly. Only on power numbers and average are they equal. Defense is a huge difference in favor of Pederson. Speed is a big difference in favor of Pederson. Making contact is in favor of Pederson.
iml12
Roster shakeup? Defensive upgrade? Less money? Upside?
diehardcubbie
Shakeup – I get that, we have been saying for 2 offseason before this we were going to shake things up and I am all for it. Could have gone in many other directions and saved more.
Defensive upgrade – great we gained half a game in the outfield for the whole season. Not that impressed.
Upside – They are pretty much the same player, I’d give them the same amount of upside.
iml12
I agree. I was extremely disappointed with the Schwarber debacle. This is at the very least a lateral move with maybe some upside offensively and defensively. Offensively the Cubs should be as good as they were last year. Now they need to start throwing 1 year deals to some upside pitching and they can win this division.
Smokin Joe Charboneau
There was a report today that ownership has increased the player payroll budget. Which, if they had done that in November, means they would probably have extended a contract to Schwarber.
The thought is that ownership is slightly more optimistic about being able to sell overpriced bleacher seats and watered down Budweiser to a few folks this upcoming season. We’ll see….
ChiSoxCity
Championship.
babybears
about as close as those sox
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
Yes thank you! As long as he didn’t end up in SF I’m happy. I was actually kind of hoping he would go back to LA
bobtillman
He’s better than Schawb defensively; of course, so is my wheelchair bound mother in law.
Burt it’s a reasonable deal. Pederson doesn’t strike out THAT much, and seems to have some pretty good in-game skills. And as said, he’s fun to watch.
Ryan W
Felt like he was underrated/under appreciated by the Dodgers. He really came through with a lot of clutch swings. Happy to see him leave the NL west
wu tang killa beez
Am I the only one to like Joc Pederson ?
Of course you can’t have him as your everyday third batter in the lineup, but if you use him well he can be valuable. A one year deal can’t hurt you, worst case scenario you flip him at the deadline, pretty sure LAD wouldn’t mind bringing him back at the deadline
Whifff
I like the move. Bottom line is the 2016 team had a fluke year and Theo over-valued that roster and kept it together for far too long. Half the Indians rotation was injured and the Cubs caught an enormous break. Churn like this just has to be a net positive for the roster. Solid move.
Smokin Joe Charboneau
Do you really consider the best record in MLB and a WS Championship to be a fluke year? What does a legitimate year look like to you?
iml12
They were the best team in mlb in 2016 and they were really good in 2017. 2018 and beyond they had some injury issues and got stagnant.
babybears
Fluke? They won over 100 games in 2016
iml12
Best record in baseball in 2016. The dodgers also got better every single year after 2016 and cubs sat on there hands for 2.5 years.
JoeBrady
Whifff
I like the move. Bottom line is the 2016 team had a fluke year and Theo over-valued that roster and kept it together for far too long.
================================================================
They finished 1st last year. I have a hard time figuring out why that is a bad thing.
norcalblue
Good luck to Joc, we appreciate your many contributions to the success of the LAD!
ASapsFables
A positive surprise for the Cubs. They’re basically replacing the offensive profile of Kyle Schwarber with a player who has a bit more defensive acumen and outfield versatility at a cheaper 2021 cost.
Curveball1984
This x a million.
bighiggy
As a cards fan I’m disappointed the cards didnt beat this offer. Pederson would have greatly helped our anemic offense. This is a good cheap Cubs signing
ASapsFables
Don’t be too disappointed. The Cardinals look better on paper as we post.
The Redbirds re-signed SP Adam Wainwright while the Cubs had no interest in doing the same with Jon Lester, Jose Quintana and Tyler Chatwood while also ‘dumping’ Yu Darvish.
The Cardinals are also in talks regarding the acquisition of 3B Nolan Arenado while the Cubs would like nothing better than to trade Kris Bryant.
I also expect the Cardinals will bring back C Yadier Molina and 2B Kolten Wong while the Cubs are reportedly looking to trade their most valuable position player Willson Contreras and passed on former 2B’s DJ LeMahieu and Tommy La Stella who would have addressed their long standing need for a high contact OBP bat atop their batting order.
bighiggy
I posted that before I saw the arenado rumours lol. If they get arenado I’m all for not signing pederson. I also believe yadi will be back now that Wainwright signed. Cards have alot of prospects to make other deals too
iml12
That’s just basing rosters on massive speculation. The cardinals certainly have the upper hand in pitching but I’d take cubs lineup any day of the week. Nico Hoerner projects to be all those things they need at 2nd base. The possibility of signing Wong to a short term deal is still an option if they feel Hoerner needs more development, he has all of 200 at bats in the mlb. Yesterday I would of said Wong is a pipe dream but they actually opened up the wallet, so who knows.
Curveball1984
I still think, they think, they’re gonna turn Nico into a DJ-type with regular reps at 2B. It’s gonna take more than a season to do that… if at all.
BuJoBi
Did not see that coming. I figured they would be looking to add a journeyman for 1yr 3-5mil and move em at deadline. Maybe that’s the plan for Pederson? Although they do have a 2nd year option.
But I think Pederson will do well in Chicago and wish him all the best, he has always been a favorite of mine.
Rsox
They replaced Kyle Schwarber with…Kyle Schwarber.
duhawk83
Does Joc get eaten alive by the shif? If not I would say it is a definite upgrade over Schwarbs.
2ndCity
They basically got schwarber back for 3 mil less lol. I hope they also go out and get a righty bat to platoon with him (maybe domingo santana? his defensive numbers are pretty awful though and I think there won’t be a DH in th NL until 2022).
Smokin Joe Charboneau
Philip Ervin says hi. 349/411/628 vs LHP in 2019. The slash line plays, The only caveat is that is seems all the damage came against Cubs pitching.
Rsox
Problem is Ervin was awful with the Reds and Mariners in 2020.
Smokin Joe Charboneau
Well, there were some good players who were awful in 2020. Some will bounce back. Will Ervin? Maybe, or not, But I’d rather have a guy who was good in 2019 but not in 2020 compared to a guy who never had a good year.
99 Captain Judge
The Yankees struck out on this one. He’s got a lot more left in the tank then Gardy. $7 million is nothing for the Yanks they can burp that. Smh
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
They got Brennan Davis coming in 2022. So this is a decent signing I guess.
thebare54
I figured out what there doing there trying to be good while cutting salaries for decent talent and getting Kids hoping for a miracle in 3 years so it’s not a total tear down but close . Hoyer now you’re getting a little bit of a pass. Since I see what your doing. Peterson better thanLil babe Schwaber. Over all. Let’s get Strode-Jeffries- the White Sox closer from last year combined with Kimbral & the kids /wow look out
JoeBrady
It’s not close to a tear down. So far, they downgraded from Darvish to Davies, and upgrade from Schwarber to Pederson. As is, they are still the divisional favorite, and they are likely not finished signing players.
Smokin Joe Charboneau
Here is a fun fact: In Dan Z’s zips, Davies is only 1.4 wins worse than Darvish.
JoeBrady
I wouldn’t argue the minutiae, but some Cubs fans act if they didn’t even get an SP back. At the end of the day, the money counts. They can keep it if they want, but the difference between Darvish and Davies, if you spend the ~ $7M on a closer like Rosenthal, and maybe another $3M on Melancon, you might actually have a better overall team.
paindonthurt
Again, Wong a proven starter and a couple flyers and you have a decent offseason in comparison to what it appears this team is trying to do. Even an Archer or Arrieta are not sure things by any means, but would you take that flyer over assuming a kid that hasn’t tasted the majors is ready?
jrhoades22
Definitely going to miss young Joc! He was clearly one of the best personalities on the team and when he got hot…he got hot! I remember a span where he went 7-7 with 6 homers and a double….the double hit off the very top of the wall and came back. So he was a foot away from 7 consecutive home runs. He will greatly be missed!
Shrutefarm
Joc is a one trick pony. Hits righties, and hits it far. But he has not put in the work to improve against lefties, nor has he learned to make himself valuable defensively. The Dodgers tried many times to give him a shot against lefties consistently, and he failed. They even tried him at first base to get him more AB’s and he failed at that.
What you see is what you will get from Joc. A glorified platoon player against righties.
Hence, the meager contract compared to what many anticipated he might get.
Smokin Joe Charboneau
I’ve been told the actualy saying is now “One Horse Pony.”
DarrenDreifortsContract
Not being able to hit lefties cost him 150 million. I wonder if the Dodgers offered him an extension before trying to trade him to the Angels or sometime in the past. He should have taken it.
Curveball1984
It’s a shame he didn’t go to the Angels. I really think he would’ve had a long-term home in Red. He’d of been a perfect Kohl replacement.
jimthegoat
I remember people kept suggesting last year that the Red Sox acquire this guy in the Betts trade. Boy are Red Sox fans glad that those people aren’t the GM lol.
JoeBrady
That probably meant as a separate piece. But that would’ve been a separate type of trade. If you were going to trade for a one-year piece like Joc, then my guess is that we’d have also been trading for a guy like Maeda, and made a decision to continue the playoff hunt.
It also likely would’ve meant a trade of JBJ as well. We would presumably have had an outfield of Benni-Verdugo-Joc-Pillar, and a rotation of Sale-ERod-Eovaldi-Maeda-Perez. We all know how it turned out, but on paper, we’d have been very good.
jimthegoat
Trading for Joc would have cost the Red Sox. Both in $ (he made $7.75m in 2020) and in long-term assets (the Dodgers were never just going to give him away, they would have wanted something in return). The Red Sox were sunk for 2020 the moment they traded Betts and ended up with the fourth worst record in baseball so Joc would have had zero value to them. I would say negative value because he’d have hurt their draft position, but a quick look at Fangraphs establishes that he was replacement level in 2020 so that argument doesn’t really hold water. The rest of my argument does tho.
Bottom line, they were way better off keeping whoever it was they would have had to trade for Joc and spending that $7.75m on something else.
Prunella Vulgaris
Also, remember that Pederson will be hitting in a much smaller ballpark. Big advantage.
Dumpster Divin Theo
And it looks like the White Sox pivoted to Eaton after Joc demanded more than 10 million. On that basis a much wiser move. Eaton is superior in the field and on the bases and fits in better with the Sox lineup which is already power laden. Sox need another table setter, not a boom or bust 3 outcomes guy best suited as a platoon bat. Hope Joc does ok on the North side- though not sure who else will be joining him if the teardown continues. At least he won’t be battling for playing time
ChiSoxCity
Not buying your argument. Anderson, Madrigal, and even Moncada set the table nicely for this lineup. Even Grandal walks at a pretty good clip. RF is a run power/run production position due to the skillset required to play the position. I’d much rather have a Joc or Puig out there than Eaton, who’s defensive metrics have regressed since last suiting up for the Southsiders. No sense trying to talk yourself off the ledge on this. The Sox are still looking for an everyday RF.
16endgame24
So, if the Cubs manage to get Walker and Wong then, overall, we are stronger than last year. I’m not saying we will, but based on new spending limits, we might be able to afford both.
ChiSoxCity
lol!!!
leftcoast11 - pyramidsuccess
Joc is fun to watch.Dude puts on a show in BP with tape measure shots 1 rt after another.Cubbies,your gonna love this clutch performer.
nentwigs
I hope that signing Joc doesn’t Strap the Cubs payroll.
onegame
It looks like it’s time to try for a trade of Bryant to the Dodgers. They need a 3B and could supply some needed young talent in return. He would probably sign an extension in LA making it an even better deal for LA. Cubs simply seem like they are in a rebuild even though their 4 mainstays are due for a return to normal production levels. If all 4 return to normal or exceed their usual production the team should be pretty good, but Cubs management doesn’t seem too interested in the current success of the team. They seem to be counting on a lot of magic to occur with some underachievers.
Logjammer D"Baggagecling
He signed with the cubs over a week ago. Don’t know why the article hasn’t been changed to Cubs sign Joc Pederson…. who spells his last name wrong. Lol