Texas Rangers add Joc Pederson, another free agent signing to franchise’s busy offseason

The Texas Rangers busy offseason continued on Monday with the reported signing of free agent Joc Pederson.

It’s the third team in three years for the 32-year old who batted .275 with 23 home runs with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2024. He has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants in an 11-year MLB career that started in 2014.

He has a career .241 batting average in 1, 272 games.

General manager Chris Young presented Pederson with a No. 4 jersey during a press conference on Monday at Globe Life Field.

He signed a two-year $37 contract that inclues a mutual option for 2027 and a player opt out after 2025.

“I think it’s a great fit,” Pederson said. “A lot of our goals align ... I want to be in a place that wants to win. They are making moves all around ... unbelievable lineup. I think I fit in really well.”

Pederson said he is looking forward to playing with shortstop Corey Seager again, a teammate with the Dodgers.

“Fun to (play) with Seager again,” Pederson said. “Any time you win a World Series with a teammate, it’s a bond that goes beyond baseball.”

The two were members of the 2020 Dodgers team that won the World Series during the COVID season when the championship series was played at Globe Life Field.

The left-handed hitting Pederson can play in the outfield or be the designated hitter.

“We are very happy with the way our lineup shapes up now,” Young said. “This is a very talented lineup.”

Pederson is the latest addition to a busy Rangers month that has included:

▪ Dec. 23: Signed free agent relief pitcher Shawn Armstrong

▪ Dec. 22 Traded first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to Washington for relief pitcher Robert Garcia

▪ Dec. 20: Signed relief pitcher Hoby Milner

▪ Dec. 12: Brought back starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi on a three-year, $75 million contract.

▪ Dec. 11: Traded for infielder Jake Burger from Miami for three minor leaguers.

▪ Dec. 2: Signed free agent catcher Kyle Higashioka.