Angels: 5 big free agents who will not sign in LA this offseason

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 16: George Springer #4 of the Houston Astros hits a two run single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fifth inning in Game Six of the American League Championship Series at PETCO Park on October 16, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 16: George Springer #4 of the Houston Astros hits a two run single against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fifth inning in Game Six of the American League Championship Series at PETCO Park on October 16, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 25: Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning in Game Five of the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 25, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 25: Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning in Game Five of the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 25, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Joc Pederson

Joc Pederson was once a top-ten consensus prospect in baseball and while he has slightly underperformed that projection, he has been a very serviceable bat for the Dodgers across his tenure. The 28-year-old lefty had a horrifyingly bad season for it being a contract year for him, posting a measly 88 wRC+ and .190 batting average in 2020.

Pederson is arguably the best straight up platoon player in all of the sport. In 2018, Pederson posted a 126 wRC+ and in 2019, a 127 wRC+. Those are fantastic numbers considering that in two full seasons, he also strung together 61 home runs. A left-handed bat to balance out the right-handed bats of Anthony Rendon and Mike Trout could be a good thing for the Halos, but given Joc’s limitations defensively, he might be a no altogether.

If Pederson had had even just a career average season in 2020, he may have commanded a good pay day. However, at this time, he might just return to the Dodgers on a one or two year deal.

Joc almost became an Angel last season along with right handed pitcher Ross Stripling, but the deal feel through. While Joc still has some thump in his bat when he is on track, he might not be a clear-cut option for the Halos this winter.

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