The White Sox have always been rumored to be involved in Joc Pederson trades or signings, but they never have pulled the trigger. This could be the year they do, as they have a big gap in right field, and if Eloy Jimenez gets traded, they would have a big spot at DH to fill, as well as the middle of the order.
Pederson will be 32 for the majority of the 2024 season, but he still is playing at a pretty high level. Last year with the Giants, he had 15 homeruns and 51 RBIs. These would be fantastic numbers out of a White Sox right fielder, as they have not come close to that type of production in the last decade or so.
With the news that Oscar Colas is likely to start the year in AAA, there is now an open spot in RF. Pederson does not play the outfield that well, but it is a short fence in right field, so there would not be much ground for him to cover, especially considering he would play next to Luis Robert.
Pederson would also fill the need for a power lefty bat the White Sox have so desperately been searching for. The Sox do not have a single power hitting lefty that would be in the lineup everyday. You cannot count on Yoan Moncada to play most of the season, and his power comes and goes. Gavin Sheets is a solid power hitting lefty, but he is not an everyday player.
This is exactly where Pederson would fit in. Despite the White Sox likely not competing, they still need to surround players like Robert and Vaughn with some solid bats so they can get pitches to hit and further their development, as they are still young players.
Last year Pederson hit 15 homeruns. With the White Sox short porch in right field, he could have significantly more and become a true power threat to give Luis Robert protection in the lineup. The one trait that Pederson could really help the White Sox with is walks, as he is one of the best in the league in drawing walks, something the White Sox have consistently struggled with.
Baseball Savant grades him out in the 91st percentile in BB%, as his percentage last year was 13.4% That is an elite number and could significantly upgrade a White Sox lineup that has trouble drawing walks. This would lead to more runs scored, and more RBI opportunities for guys like Andrew Vaughn, who could take a big step forward.
Pederson does not offer much in the field, as he is not the best fielder, but he does have a pretty strong arm that would slot in nicely in RF for the Sox.
Sportrac projects his market value to be around 15 million a year, so I could easily see the Sox offering something around 2/30, or something in that range. This would not break the bank and they could potentially have another piece to deal at the deadline, should they be way out of any contention.
This would be a solid signing for the Sox, as he could fit a few different roles for the Sox and help them get out of the 100 loss hole.
