Joc Pederson Signing Details and D-backs Payroll Update

Mike Hazen makes another shrewd move continuing a stellar offseason

The Diamondbacks signing of Joc Pederson today is another shrewd move by General Manager Mike Hazen.  As reported by Nick Piecoro of AZ Central,  Pederson has signed for $9.5 Million for 2024, with a mutual option for 14 million in 2025. There is a $3 Million buyout, thus guaranteeing Pederson at least $12.5 million. We estimate that this brings the D-backs payroll to approximately $144 million. 

Recently here at Inside the Diamondbacks we identified Pederson as an appropriate target. Some of the other potential DH targets, that had been getting mentioned such as J.D. Martinez or Justin Turner did not project as well as Pederson for 2024.  The others that projected about the same such as Jorge Soler or Rhys Hoskins were going to be much more expensive. Pederson provides the most bang for the buck among the available options. 

With this deal the D-backs have landed a known power commodity to hit from the left side.  Pederson projects to hit .250/.340/.455, .795 OPS.  Depending on his playing time he should also be able to hit at least 15 to 20 homers, and projects to provide about 1.5 WAR per 500 plate appearances. 

Could J.D. Martinez Be Wrong Choice for the Diamondbacks?

The D-backs likely still need to find a right-handed hitting 4th or 5th  outfielder  to compliment the roster, but if they do so, that will probably be a lower cost free agent or trade acquisition.  So far the D-backs other major moves have included signing Eduardo Rodriguez, bringing back Lourdes Gurriel Jr, and trading for Eugenio Suarez. The table below shows the current state of the D-backs projected payroll.  We will return with more roster analysis and projection over the next few days and weeks as the team prepares for spring training. 

D-backs Payroll Projection as of January 25th