Toronto Blue Jays Officially Miss Out on Reported Target as Slugger Signs with NL Champs

The Arizona Diamondbacks have officially signed slugger Joc Pederson, which means the Toronto Blue Jays have missed out on a reported offseason target.

Update, 9:20 a.m. EST (1/26): The deal is agreed upon and Pederson is heading to Arizona.

Per MLBTradeRumors:

The Diamondbacks continue adding to the lineup. They’re reportedly in agreement with designated hitter/outfielder Joc Pederson on a one-year, $12.5MM guarantee. The Excel Sports Management client will receive a $9.5MM salary next season and is due a $3MM buyout on a 2025 mutual option valued at $14MM.

1/25: According to a report from the Arizona Republic, the Arizona Diamondbacks are closing in on a deal for free agent slugger Joc Pederson.

Per the paper:

The Diamondbacks and free-agent slugger Joc Pederson are “very close” on a contract agreement, a source said on Thursday, an addition that would help fill the club’s desire for a middle-of-the-lineup bat.

After falling short in the World Series to the Texas Rangers, the D'Backs are looking to beef up their offense this offseason. They already brought back Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and traded for Eugenio Suarez, now they get Pederson too. They'll need that offense if they are going to contend with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West.

On the other side of the coin, Pederson going to Arizona signifies that he won't be going to Toronto. We had heard earlier this month that the Jays were very interested in his services. After all, in the wake of Brandon Belt leaving in free agency, they also needed help at designated hitter.

The 31-year-old Pederson has spent 10 years in the big leagues with the Dodgers, Cubs, Braves and Giants. He won the World Series with the 2020 Dodgers and the 2021 Braves and has been All-Star twice in his career.

Lifetime, he's a .237 hitter with 186 homers and 485 RBI. His most productive season was 2015 when he hit 26 homers, and 2019, when he drove in 74 runs.

With Pederson out of the picture, Toronto could potentially look to sign Joey Votto to play at designated hitter. He's drawn interest recently from the Angels. They've also been connected to Jorge Soler.

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