After Pederson was selected by the Dodgers in the 11th round of the 2010 draft, he led the Pioneer League, or was close, in numerous statistical categories the following year; including RBIs, outfield assists, stolen bases, on-base percentage, runs, and walks.
The next season, in Single-A ball, he was named the Dodgers’ Minor League Player of the Year, and was rated by Baseball America as the California League’s No. 3 prospect.
Pederson was equally successful at the Double-A and Triple-A levels. In 2013, he was rated best defensive player and most exciting player in the Southern League. Baseball America ranked him the Dodgers’ No. 1 prospect in 2013; an honor he later shared with Corey Seager after the 2014 season.
In 2014, Pederson became the PCL’s first player in 80 years to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season. He was remarkably consistent, batting .306/.442/.573 with 19 home runs and 46 RBIs against right-handed pitching, .299/.422/.598 against lefties.
Pederson got his big chance when the Dodgers traded Matt Kemp to the San Diego Padres in December 2014. During Spring Training last year, the young center fielder raised eyebrows as he led the club in home runs, RBIs and runs scored.
When the regular season began, Peterson, at age 22, was the youngest Dodger to start in center field in 46 years. One month into the 2015 season, it seemed certain that he was headed for immediate stardom.
In May, Pederson became the first Dodger in 46 years to hit home runs in four consecutive games, and the youngest player ever to do so. His nine home runs in May tied a Dodgers’ rookie record. His 13 home runs by May 31 tied an NL record (set in 1958) for second-most in baseball history.
Pederson was just getting started. On June 2, he hit home runs in both games of a double header at Coors Field. The second one measured 480 feet, which at that point in the season, was the longest in the Majors. He then hit home runs in five consecutive games, setting a franchise rookie record.
Pederson also broke Mike Piazza’s record for most home runs (20) by a Dodgers rookie at the All-Star break. He was the team’s first rookie in 20 years to make the All-Star team. Then, as quickly as it started, it came to an end.
There are several theories as to why Pederson crashed and burned after the All-Star break. The most obvious is the reality all rookies face: Major League pitchers adjust to hitters after facing them multiple times and reviewing video of other matchups.
Others posited the idea that overnight success went to Peterson’s head, and he became complacent and entitled. Yet, another theory is that he tried too hard to hit a home run every time he came to plate, instead of making consistent contact. In reality, it may have been a bit of everything.
Pederson spent the offseason working on improving the mechanics of his swing, with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently noting he’s already seen improvement since joining the organization last November. Through the first 12 games this season, Pederson is batting .258/.316/.514 with two home runs, seven RBIs, two walks and 14 strikeouts in 38 plate appearances.
It is crucial for the Dodgers to stay patient with Peterson, just as they must remain patient with Seager. The two youngsters are the future faces of the franchise, and they have amply demonstrated they are far from average prospects.
Though he is off to a modest start this season, Peterson’s home run on Sunday night against the San Francisco Giants gave Los Angeles a lead they never relinquished. There is reason to believe that with time, this is what he can provide on a more consistent basis.
Last year was a tale of two seasons for Pederson. The Dodgers hope he quickly returns to the form that had the entire league buzzing just a year ago.
