12up Logo

3 Teams That Should Trade for Joc Pederson After Angels-Dodgers Deal Fell Apart

By Steven Kubitza

Los Angeles Dodgers OF Joc Pederson could remain in trade discussions.
Los Angeles Dodgers OF Joc Pederson could remain in trade discussions. / Rob Carr/Getty Images

Joc Pederson found out he was still a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday after a trade sending him and Ross Stripling to the Los Angeles Angels feel through. Both can thank the Boston Red Sox and their unnecessary timelines for that. Pederson shouldn't get too comfortable, though; he remains a trade candidate, certainly, and several teams should be calling the Dodgers to make a deal for the outfielder.

3. St. Louis Cardinals

The St Louis Cardinals lost Marcell Ozuna in free agency.
The St Louis Cardinals lost Marcell Ozuna in free agency. / Patrick Smith/Getty Images

The St. Louis Cardinals lost Marcell Ozuna to the Atlanta Braves, and could get an upgrade in Pederson. Dexter Fowler is in right, Harrison Bader is in center, and Pederson could slide into left field. He was a 3.3 WAR player in 2019, nearly a win better than Ozuna's mark of 2.2. This would also keep a power bat in the lineup; Pederson hit 36 home runs last season, as well as 16 doubles.

2. Chicago White Sox

Chicago White Sox OF Eloy Jimenez anchors a young outfield.
Chicago White Sox OF Eloy Jimenez anchors a young outfield. / Duane Burleson/Getty Images

The Chicago White Sox have made improvements throughout the roster this offseason. Dallas Keuchel, Yasmani Grandal and Edwin Encarnacion are all new in town. Yet the outfield remains very young, and Pederson would add experience and proven success to the group. He is making just under $8 million in 2020, and he can lead an outfield already featuring Eloy Jimenez, while also hitting in the middle of the lineup.

1. Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians will likely not re-sign Yasiel Puig.
The Cleveland Indians will likely not re-sign Yasiel Puig. / Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

The Indians have cut payroll this offseason, and have only made small moves. The team isn't expected to re-sign Yasiel Puig, and that makes Pederson an obvious trade target. The outfield is thin in experience, with the likes of Jake Bauers, Bradley Zimmer, Jordan Luplow, Greg Allen, Oscar Mercado and Delino DeShields all fighting for spots. Pederson would be the top outfielder right away, and would slot in either fourth or fifth in the lineup for a team still trying to fight for a World Series (ostensibly).