6 realistic free agent outfield options for the Colorado Rockies

Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson could be a fit for the Colorado Rockies

Outfielder Joc Pederson could be a fit for the Colorado Rockies and the Colorado Rockies would be able to get him on a short-term deal.

Last season, Pederson played with the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves after he spent seven seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, meaning he has been on the World Series-winning team for each of the last two seasons.

In 2021, he hit .238/.310/.422 with 18 homers, 61 RBI, and an OPS+ of 93 in 137 games. His offense was at a 0.2 rWAR but with his poor defense (-6 Defensive Runs Saved), his overall play dropped to -0.1 rWAR. He wasn’t above league average on offense either in 2020 but he was very good in 2018 and 2019.

In 2018 and 2019, Pederson played in 148 and 149 games and he had an OPS+ of 125 and 126. His slugging percentages were .522 and .538. For comparison, Rockies first baseman C.J. Cron was the only Rockies player with more than 50 plate appearances with a slugging percentage over .500 (.530).

Pederson signed with the Cubs last offseason for one-year and $4.5 million with an option for 2022. That option wasn’t exercised so he got $2.5 million in a buyout.

The Rockies could get him for probably one or two years and maybe $5-$6 million per season, which is much less than the big-ticket names.

Realistically, the Rockies probably should get two or more bats to help their team if they plan on competing in 2022 but when the lockout ends, the Rockies will have to hit the ground running as it will be a frenzy for trades and free agent signings.