SF Giants: Four Potential Free Agent Matches with Local Ties

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Marcus Semien #10 of the Oakland Athletics bats during the game against the Chicago White Sox at RingCentral Coliseum on September 30, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Athletics defeated the White Sox 5-3. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /

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Joc Pederson celebrates with Mookie Betts during the World Series. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

SF Giants Local Fit: Joc Pederson

As a longtime Dodgers outfielder, the SF Giants know Joc Pederson well. He has posted a .230/.336/.470 (116 OPS+) with 130 home runs and 303 RBI since he debuted back in 2014. 12 of those 130 career big flies have come against the Giants.

While he has posted respectable numbers as a corner outfielder, his 2020 season was one he probably wishes he could forget. In 138 plate appearances, the left-handed bat generated a .190/.285/.397 line (84 OPS+) with seven home runs and 16 RBI. Furthermore, he posted an eight percent walk rate against a 24.6 percent strikeout rate.

After a rough year, Pederson seems like the type of player who would be interested in a one-year, prove-it contract or may have to settle for a minor-league pact. It just so happens that the Giants are looking for a left-handed bat, and few on the free-agent market hit with as much power as the Palo Alto native and Stanford alum.

The Giants outfielder situation looks to be stabilizing around Mike Yastrzemski and Mauricio Dubón. With that said, the rest of the outfield has a long injury history and limited ability to play center field.

Pederson’s upside is greater than what you would normally expect from outfielder depth. His familiarity with the area and many Giants staff with experience in the Dodgers organization could make him a strong fit.