Former San Francisco Giants slugger Joc Pederson endured a difficult 2025 season with the Texas Rangers, but he’s still set for a major payday in 2026 after opting into his player option worth $18.5 million. It was an easy call for Pederson—his 2025 performance made it highly unlikely that any team would have offered him a deal close to that value on the open market.
In 96 games and 265 at-bats with Texas, Pederson struggled mightily, hitting just .181/.285/.328 with nine home runs and 26 RBIs. His slump began early and persisted all year, a stark contrast to the strong .275/.393/.515 line with 23 homers and 64 RBIs he posted with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2024. That 2024 resurgence earned him a two-year, $37 million contract with the Rangers, including the 2026 player option he just exercised—one that Texas likely now regrets, as they’re on the hook for a large salary for a player who may be in decline.
Pederson, an All-Star with the Giants in 2022, has alternated between good and disappointing seasons ever since—underwhelming in 2023, bouncing back in 2024, and faltering again in 2025. The Rangers can only hope that pattern continues and that 2026 brings another rebound year.
There was speculation last offseason that the Giants might reunite with Pederson, given their need for a left-handed power bat at DH. In hindsight, it’s fortunate they passed, instead trading for Rafael Devers to fill that role.
Heading into this offseason, San Francisco’s focus will likely be on second base or right field upgrades, with possible additions at first base or DH depending on the progress of top prospect Bryce Eldridge. However, pitching remains their top priority—and at least they can take solace in avoiding what would’ve been a costly mistake in bringing Pederson back.
Leave a Reply