Joc Pederson was set to potentially join what looks to be a stacked class of power bats in free agency this offseason.
However, as the deadline for players to accept or decline their team’s qualifying offers has passed, it appears that Pederson has already made a decision for 2023, and it may not be one that people expected.
Pederson has chosen to accept the $19.65 million qualifying offer from the San Francisco Giants and will return to the team in 2023.
Pederson had signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Giants last offseason after winning a World Series title with the Atlanta Braves.
Joc Pederson has accepted the @SFGiants qualifying offer, via multiple sources. pic.twitter.com/cXdPtmXIaE
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 15, 2022
Pederson Accepts QO
The Giants had hoped to retain Pederson for 2023.
That item has been checked off of their offseason to-do list.
Now, the question is whether or not the Giants will still pursue Bay Area native Aaron Judge, who is the top free agent out on the market.
More than likely, this does not take San Francisco out of the running for Judge, as they are projected to be big spenders this offseason.
But they have retained one of their key contributors from 2022.
Pederson is one of just two players to accept the qualifying offer, joining Texas Rangers left-hander Martin Perez.
The 30-year-old slugger hit .274 with 23 home runs and 70 RBI during the 2022 season.
The Giants failed to reach the postseason, following up their surprise 107-win campaign in 2021 with a .500 finish in 2022.
But with Pederson signed, the Giants will likely turn their focus to trying to retain left-hander Carlos Rodon.
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