by Rangers who are confronted with JOC Pederson decision after the relocation of Bruce Bochy originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Texas Rangers dropped their weekend series against the Seattle Mariners, but they stay on the hunt for a berth after the season, sitting at 58-55 and only two games back from the third Wild Card place.
After winning the World Series in 2023, Texas missed the Play-Offs last season and responded by strengthening the attack in the low season, by signing the designated Slagman JOC Pederson for a two-year contract of $ 37 million with an opt-out of a player after the first year.
The 33-year-old veteran earned his deal after a strong campaign with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he hit .275 with a .908 Ops and 23 home runs over 132 games.
JOC Pederson gesture are like sausages than the Strolen
Unfortunately, the production of Pederson fell in 2025. After having had a breach in May who put him offside for two months, Pederson has struggled enormously, even when healthy, only .126 with a .473 Ops and two home runs over 53 games.
In anticipation of Monday’s series opener against the New York Yankees, manager Bruce Bochy Pederson moved to the bank in favor of Josh Jung.
At home against the Bronx bombers. #Allfortxpic.twitter.com/5l4f5QQNW1
– Texas Rangers (@Rangers) August 4, 2025
With October in sight, Rangers are confronted with Pederson problem
Jung, who had missed a few matches with calfs pain, returned to the line-up after a hot piece after the all-star break. As soon as Jung resumes his regular role on the third base, it is expected that left-handed Slugger Josh Smith will shift to designated Slagman, especially against right-handed pitching that forces the bat of pederson from the line-up. Smith has been much more productive and hit .266 with a .743 Ops and nine home runs.
The chances of Pederson can be even more limited against left-handed starters, because he was not in the line-up against left-handed Max Fried on Monday. The Rangers recently also chosen to start both right -handed catchers against the left, Jonah Heim and Kyle Higashioka, where Heim often serves as the DH. Right -handed Slugger Jake Burger is also expected to return quickly, further displace the schedule and possibly push Pederson out of the mix.
Unfortunately for Texas, Pederson has a player option for next season that he will probably perform in view of his poor performance. With the Rangers who insist to return to October, Pederson will have to find a way to contribute before his role disappears completely.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on August 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
