Yahoo Sports Free agent OF Joc Pederson sparks rumors about next team with Instagram post
In a slow MLB offseason, social media posts from players are getting special attention for any shred of news they might provide. On Wednesday afternoon, a post from Joc Pederson was the latest to set the rumor mill buzzing.
Pederson's latest Instagram featured the outfielder posing with the Phillie Phanatic, the Philadelphia Phillies' mascot, with the caption "It's always sunny in Philadelphia." It also included Calum Scott's "Dancing On My Own," a song the Phillies adopted as their playoff anthem in 2022 and 2023. The post immediately inspired rampant speculation that it was a signing announcement from the free agent.
The rumors and speculation were quickly shut down by beat reporters covering the team.
Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer posted to X (formerly Twitter), "A Phillies source says they haven’t signed Joc Pederson."
A Phillies source says they haven’t signed Joc Pederson.
— Alex Coffey (@byalexcoffey) December 6, 2023
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With the slow movement of MLB's free agency through about one month, fans are itching to hear any big news from players or teams. The league's annual Winter Meetings are underway this week in Nashville, and though the event is usually one of the biggest catalysts for offseason movement, this year's iteration has been mostly quiet.
Pederson's post provided just the spark to get the rumor mill going again, though where he will play next season (and beyond) still remains to be seen.
Joc Pederson Phillies rumors begin after outfielder's Instagram post
Baseball fans (and even MLB Network!) were quick to discover Pederson's Instagram post and started sharing the image and their speculation on social media.
Joc Pederson just posted this on his Instagram. Could he be headed to Philly? pic.twitter.com/9Q6x22SUlH
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 6, 2023
So you’re telling me Joc Pederson just woke up today and felt like posting this for no reason? Suuuure pic.twitter.com/XHN9eAoWuc
— Connor Thomas (@ConnorThomas975) December 6, 2023
Did the Phillies just sign Joc Pederson? pic.twitter.com/dW45w98h9x
— Jack Fritz (@JackFritzWIP) December 6, 2023
I think the Phillies signed Joc Pederson???? pic.twitter.com/NoV7EpJ1H9
— kyle (@kgeich) December 6, 2023
Some Phillies fans even began to make predictions on how the outfielder would fit in with the rest of the team's lineup.
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Joc Pederson is a pretty interesting signing if they did so. More of a DH but can play the corners and is a lefty bat. Also started to play a little first base.
Potentially a platoon bat with Rojas essentially with Marsh playing center?
Love me some Joc Pederson! pic.twitter.com/6m2RJaD0Mz— Philly Nation (@Philly__Nation) December 6, 2023
Watching Joc Pederson, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper absolutely murder baseballs in the summer at CBP pic.twitter.com/jpb6PiZvDq
— Mark Kremer (@mark_kremer) December 6, 2023
Joc Pederson in 2023:
vs. RHP: 315 AB | 14 HR | 48 RBI | 49 BB | .241/.351/.435
vs. LHP: 52 AB | 1 HR | 3 RBI | 8 BB | .186/.327/.279
He is not the best defender but plays 1B and OF. He was mostly used at DH and LF last season. pic.twitter.com/kRARJt0IzH— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) December 6, 2023
I've already talked myself into Joc Pederson being an amazing move. announce it.
— Absolutely Hammered (@AH_Pod) December 6, 2023
Once it was revealed Pederson and the Phillies hadn't entered contract talks, Philadelphia fans were not happy.
But why… why would Joc Pederson post that pic, with that caption, and with THAT song if he isn’t intending on signing with the Phillies? Very confused.
— 𝐾𝑦𝑙𝑒𝑒 シ (@BSP_Sully) December 6, 2023
Joc Pederson made a mortal enemy today.
— Absolutely Hammered (@AH_Pod) December 6, 2023
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB free agency: Joc Pederson's Phillies Instagram post starts rumors
