The D-backs moved on from Joc Pederson this previous offseason, bidding farewell to a slugger who made 132 appearances at designated hitter for them in 2024 and turned in an excellent .275/.393/.515 slash in 449 plate appearances. Pederson was restricted to 42 plate appearances in opposition to left-handed pitching however was a mainstay within the lineup in opposition to right-handed opponents. He torched righties at a .281/.392/.531 clip — 54% higher than league common, by measure of wRC+.
Arizona spent greater than anybody anticipated this previous offseason, however the overwhelming majority of that spending got here within the type of their gorgeous six-year, $210MM signing of right-hander Corbin Burnes. That marked the biggest contract in franchise historical past, serving to push payroll to report ranges. The remainder of the entrance workplace’s strikes have been understandably on the smaller aspect, not less than by way of monetary dedication. A commerce for Josh Naylor changed Christian Walker at first base for about half the 2025 worth (and one-sixth of the general monetary dedication). Re-signing Randal Grichuk value one other $5MM. Relievers Kendall Graveman and Jalen Beeks signed for below $2MM apiece.
Pederson’s two-year, $37MM cope with the Rangers was introduced on the identical day as Burnes’ cope with the Diamondbacks. Based mostly on the totality of Arizona’s offseason, it might be truthful to presume that signing each merely wasn’t within the finances. Maybe, nevertheless, the D-backs felt comfy transferring on from Pederson as a result of they purchased into the out-of-the-blue breakout from one other lefty slugger on the roster.
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