Joc Pederson Opts Out of Contract to Become Free Agent

Joc Pederson has opted out of his $18.5 million mutual option with the Texas Rangers for 2027 to enter free agency. The 34-year-old designated hitter posted a .235/.329/.487 slash line with 26 home runs, 22 of which came as a DH in 334 at-bats, along with an .816 OPS and 1.7 rWAR during the 2026 season. Pederson is being considered by teams like the Colorado Rockies as a potential power-hitting solution for their lineup.