MLB

Mets showed interest in Joc Pederson before $37 million Rangers deal

The Mets are examining different ways to improve their lineuജp, and they were interested in Joc Pederson before he struck a deal with the Texas Rangers, Monday.

Pederson, 32, received ♛a two-year, $37 million contract, per multiple reports, after a bounce-back season with the Diamondbacks as their designated hitter.

The left-handed hitter, who has mostly played the outfield in his career, hit 23 home runs with 64 RBIs, a .275 average and .908 OPS in 132 games this year, with 407 of his 44💎9 plate appearances coming against right-handed pitching.

In 2023 for the Giants, Pederson hit 💮15 home🐼 runs with 51 RBIs, a .235 average and .764 OPS in 121 games.

The Mets had expressed interest in Joc Pederson.
The Mets had expressed interest in Joc Pederson. Getty Images

The Mets, now approaching a $1 billion-dollar offseason, struck a deal to bring back Sean Manaea early Monday morning on a three-year, $75 million contract, which could be their final significant rotation move after previously signing꧃ Frankie Montas (two years, $34 million) and Clay Holmes (three years, $38 million.)



They still have lineup questions after adding Juan Soto on a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract, mainly whether they will bring back Pete Alonso to be their first baseman.

Their interest in Pederson suggests a desire for more left-handed power, though options are dwindling. The rival Phillies recently added ex-Twin Max Kepler on a one-year, $10 million contract🍸.

Joc Pederson is signing a two-year, $37 million contract with the Rangers.
Joc Pederson is signing a two-year, $37 million contract with the Rangers. Getty Images

The Mets could brin🅠g back Jesse Winker, who went 7-for-22 with 💎a homer, four RBIs, three triples and seven walks in 10 playoff appearances in October.