"It's time for us to take over the West" - Joc Pederson makes his feelings known as Texas Rangers finalize $37,000,000, 2-year deal with 2X All-star

Joc Pederson and the Texas Rangers have agreed a two-year, $37 million deal, and the slugger is rearing to get started with his new team.

The 32-year-old is coming off a season with the Arizona Diamondbacks where he played DH for most of the year. After successfully completing his physical on Monday, Pederson said at an introductory press conference:

"Played the Astros in the World Series. They've put together a nice little run. It's coming to an end. It's time for us to take over the West."

“I think it’s a great fit,” Pederson said. “A lot of our goals align... I want to be in a place that wants to win.

“Fun to (play) with Seager again. Any time you win a World Series with a teammate, it’s a bond that goes beyond baseball.”

Joc Pederson was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2011 MLB Draft and made his major league debut with them in 2014. He made his first All-Star appearance the next year and won the World Series in 2020. He started 2021 with the Chicago Cubs but ended it winning another World Series title with the Atlanta Braves.

After the Texas Rangers won the World Series in 2023, they had a disappointing year in 2024, as they missed the playoffs. However, Pederson is eager to change that and dominate the West with the Rangers. The outfielder is also set to be reunited with former teammate Corey Seager, with whom he won his first Word Series together.

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Rangers president of baseball operations shares his thoughts on new signing Joc Pederson

Chris Young is a former MLB pitcher who has served as the general manager of the Texas Rangers since 2020. Earlier this year, he was given the additional title of president of baseball operations and has had a busy offseason.

Speaking on the latest signing Joc Pederson, Young said:

“Certainly excited about the type of player he is, what he’s going to add to our lineup and how he’s going to make our offense better. Equally excited about who he is as a person. This is a player who’s won multiple World Series championships."

Some of the other big moves already made by the Texas front office include re-signing Nathan Eovaldi on a three-year deal, trading for Robert Garcia and signing relief pitchers from free agency. After a disappointing end to the season last year, it's clear that they mean business.