Joc Pederson Could Add Power to Toronto’s Lineup
The Toronto Blue Jays could pursue free-agent slugger Joc Pederson to help replace power in their lineup for 2027, after he declined an $18.5 million option with the Texas Rangers. The opportunity was outlined on November 3.
Toronto hit a league-low 152 home runs last season and could have another opening at designated hitter if George Springer joins a new team. Free agent Joc Pederson is one possible addition as the Blue Jays look to strengthen their offense for 2027.
Pederson declined his portion of an $18.5 million option with Texas and is expected to seek a multiyear contract. He hit 26 home runs and recorded 54 RBIs last season. His home run total would have ranked second among Blue Jays players.
The left-handed hitter produced a .338 on-base percentage against right-handed pitching. His average exit velocity was 92.1 mph, while his hard-hit rate was 50.9 percent; both figures placed him among the top 10 percent of major-league hitters.
There are drawbacks. Pederson turns 35 in April and is considered a liability in the field. He also struggled against left-handed pitching, striking out 14 times in 31 at-bats against lefties last season. Signing him would likely require Toronto manager John Schneider to use a platoon at designated hitter.
The Blue Jays could hope for stronger results from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Anthony Santander instead, but Pederson offers a potential source of power. Toronto showed interest in him in 2024, before he signed with Arizona, and that interest could return in the coming weeks.