So I betcha didn’t see this one coming!? The Chicago Cubs and free agent outfielder Joc Pederson have come to an agreement, per source.
Free-agent outfielder Joc Pederson in agreement with Cubs, pending physical, sources tell @TheAthletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 29, 2021
This is the first significant free agent signings since the Cubs signed Yu Darvish in 2018. If you recall, Joc was neck-and-neck with Kris Bryant for the NL Rookie of the Year in 2015. Joc, according to ESPN, has signed a one-year, $7m deal.
Joc Pederson is in agreement on a one-year, $7 million deal with the Chicago Cubs, sources tell ESPN. First with the agreement was @Ken_Rosenthal.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 29, 2021
Joc is coming off a down 2020 (as are most players), but had a .876 OPS in 2019 and hit 36 homers with only 514 player appearances. Even still, Pederson was Keith Law’s 25th best free agent this off-season.
Strangely, if you track his career, he’s similar to Kyle Schwarber. A low average/high OBP/high power type. Joc does offer more defensive flexibility, able to play both CF as well as either corner spot.
It is yet to be seen where the Cubs intend to play him, whether he plays center, moving Ian Happ to left would seem to be the most logical option. But most importantly, he has spent most of his career leading off. He might not be the prototypical lead-off man, but that experience gives the Cubs another option at the top.
