Adding Joc Pederson To The White Sox Would Be A Huge Win

Recently, rumors have been spreading here and there about a potential trade that would send Joc Pederson to the White Sox. I didn’t take it seriously until Ken Rosenthal confirmed the reports shortly after the initial rumors began swirling around.

On rumors of Joc Pederson trade to #WhiteSox: #Dodgers have been discussing Pederson in possible deals, rival executives say. CWS one of clubs in those conversations, according to sources. Not known if talks are advanced to point where teams are close to a deal.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 20, 2019

Joc Pederson would no doubt be an immediate upgrade to the current White Sox lineup. Playing half of his games at Guaranteed Rate, he could hit 30+ bombs a year. The White Sox also desperately need a lefty power bat. Pederson provides that.

But just how much of a difference would Pederson make? Well, these stats should paint a solid picture:

Here's where Pederson would have ranked in various things on the 2018 White Sox for players with 300+ PA's

SLG: 1st
OPS: 1st
wOBA: 1st
wRC+: 1st
K%: 1st (h/t @RobertHYoung)
fWAR: 1st

I have decided to reject this premise.https://t.co/f0xrxwudX8

— Patrick Nolan (@SoxMach_pnoles) January 20, 2019

Being 26 years old, he is right in the prime of his career. He’s under control for 2 more years, so he shouldn’t really cost a ton for Chicago to make a deal. I’ve seen Carson Fulmer, Spencer Adams, and Bryce Bush as potential trade pieces. If that’s all it takes to land Joc, you make that move in a heartbeat.

Suddenly, the White Sox lineup could be a threat to score some big time runs (assuming they sign Machado).

Moncada

Machado

Abreu

Eloy

Pederson

Castillo

Anderson

Alonso

Jay

That’s actually a formidable MLB lineup. Something White Sox fans haven’t really seen for a while now. Sure the pitching still has major question marks, but at least the lineup won’t be looked at as a joke anymore.

I’m all on board in bringing Pederson over. He can play center field, makes the lineup better/more flexible, and would be relatively cheap. Oh and he knows Manny too, if that adds any further value.

In an off season that has been largely boring, this would inject some life into the South Side.