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 towards left-handed pitching however was a mainstay within the lineup towards 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 beautiful six-year, $210MM signing of right-hander Corbin Burnes. That marked the biggest contract in franchise historical past, serving to push payroll to file ranges. The remainder of the entrance workplace’s strikes have been understandably on the smaller facet, at the very least when it comes to 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 price one other $5MM. Relievers Kendall Graveman and Jalen Beeks signed for below $2MM apiece.
Pederson’s two-year, $37MM take care of the Rangers was introduced on the identical day as Burnes’ take care of the Diamondbacks. Based mostly on the totality of Arizona’s offseason, it would be honest to presume that signing each merely wasn’t within the price range. Maybe, nonetheless, the D-backs felt snug 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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