SF Giants News: Odd transaction that connects Ross Stripling and Joc Pederson

The SF Giants retained Joc Pederson and added Ross Stripling this winter. The two players reunite after they spent five seasons as teammates with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, there was quirky transaction they were both involved in prior to the 2020 season.

SF Giants News: Odd transaction that connects Ross Stripling and Joc Pederson

Both players were nearly involved in a trade that would have sent them to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for Luis Rengifo and a prospect. The deal remained in limbo for several days as the Dodgers worked to complete a deal with the Boston Red Sox to acquire star outfielder Mookie Betts and veteran pitcher David Price.

The Dodgers completed the deal for Betts by sending Jeter Downs, Alex Guerrero, and Connor Wong to Boston. As that was happening, the Angels pulled out of the trade for Pederson and Stripling.

The unique circumstances got to the point where members of the Dodgers organization reached out to both Pederson and Stripling to express their appreciation. However, the deal fell apart and both players began the 2020 season with the Dodgers.

Stripling was shipped to the Toronto Blue Jays at the 2020 trade deadline in exchange for a pair of prospects, whereas Pederson became a free agent after that year and signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs sent him to the Atlanta Braves where he was part of the 2021 World Series team.

Trades do not often fall through the way it did between the Dodgers and Angels. Of course, this offseason has been full of what-ifs, almost, and pivots. For example, Carlos Correa agreed to term sheets with three different teams in a span of four weeks. I would be surprised if something like that ever happens again.

So, Pederson and Stripling reunite after spending five seasons together with the Dodgers and almost being traded to the Angels. Both players are coming off of strong seasons.

Stripling posted a 3.01 ERA, 3.11 FIP, 1.02 WHIP, 7.4 K/9, and a 5.55 SO/W ratio in 32 appearances for the Blue Jays in 2022. Pederson slashed .274/.353/.521 (144 OPS+) with 23 home runs, 70 RBI, and 57 runs in 433 plate appearances. They were key players for the Dodgers in the late 2010's, and now, they will try to help the Giants move in the right direction after a disappointing 81-81 season last year.