At the start of the offseason it was relatively clear which Los Angeles Dodgers free agents were unlikely to return for the 2021 season. With the start of Spring Training two weeks away, that has largely been validated.
Alex Wood is no longer with the team as he signed a one-year contract with the San Francisco Giants, and Kiké Hernandez joined the Boston Red Sox. In a mild surprise, Pedro Baez left the Dodgers to sign with the Houston Astros.
Though, Baez’s departure became somewhat expected once the Dodgers traded for Corey Knebel, signed Tommy Kahnle and re-signed Blake Treinen.
Next on the list appeared to be Joc Pederson, who was drawing reported interest from the Atlanta Braves and Giants. However, he has instead signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan:
Joc Pederson is in agreement on a one-year, $7 million deal with the Chicago Cubs, sources tell ESPN. First with the agreement was @Ken_Rosenthal.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 29, 2021
Per Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Pederson’s deal includes performance bonuses and an option for 2022:
Pederson one year, $7M with a chance to make $500G in incentives with the #Cubs. @Ken_Rosenthal 1st with agreement
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) January 29, 2021
Pederson’s deal has a 2022 option. With the buyout component, the #Cubs will be spending much less in 2021 dollars on Pederson than Schwarber, who they projected more as an $8M-plus arbitration salary for 2022. The marginal difference is likely to be redirected toward SPs.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) January 29, 2021
Earlier this month it was reported the Washington Nationals may look to sign Pederson as they coveted a left-handed hitting outfielder. The Nationals wound up adding Kyle Schwarber, who Pederson now essentially replaces.
The 28-year-old is coming off yet another uneven showing during the regular season but improved performance in the playoffs. Pederson’s career .806 on-base plus slugging percentage jumps to .852 in the postseason, and batting average also increases from .230 to .272.
Last postseason he hit safely in eight of 16 postseason games, producing two home runs and a .991 on-base plus slugging percentage en route to helping the Dodgers win their first World Series since 1988.
Pederson likely to receive more opportunities with Cubs
After being an everyday starter early in his career with the Dodgers, Pederson had been relegated to platooning over recent seasons. That stemmed from prolonged struggles against left-handed pitching, though it’s believed the Cubs will give him an opportunity to start on a regular basis.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!
