Home / Sports / Rangers part ways with Joc Pederson for 2027
Rangers part ways with Joc Pederson for 2027
1 Nov
Summary
- Texas Rangers and Joc Pederson declined the 2027 mutual option.
- Pederson's 2026 season showed improvement after a difficult 2025.
- The Rangers must now reconsider their designated hitter strategy.
The Texas Rangers and designated hitter Joc Pederson will not proceed with the mutual option for the 2027 season. This decision concludes Pederson's tenure with the club, which began with a two-year, $37 million contract signed before the 2025 season.
Pederson faced challenges in his first year, playing in only 96 games with a .181 batting average. However, he rebounded significantly in 2026 under manager Skip Schumaker, hitting .235 with 26 home runs and 53 RBIs in 136 games, often batting leadoff.
The Rangers now face the task of redefining their designated hitter position. Historically, they have rotated players through this spot, a strategy that could be revisited to provide rest days for key players like Corey Seager, Wyatt Langford, and Josh Jung, especially following injury concerns in 2026.
Alternatively, Texas might explore the free agent market to find a new external option for the DH role. The current market's talent pool could present an opportunity for the Rangers to secure a player at a comfortable price point as they prepare for the 2027 season.
