Joc Pederson’s Quest for Redemption: A Key to the Rangers’ Success in 2026
The Texas Rangers’ 81-81 record last season left fans pondering what went wrong. With a league-leading ERA of 3.47, their pitching was top-notch.
However, their offensive struggles, marked by one of the worst OPS (.683) in the league, kept them from playoff contention. Among the contributing factors was the underwhelming performance of designated hitter Joc Pederson, a high-profile offseason acquisition.
Pederson joined the Rangers during the 2024-25 offseason on a two-year, $37 million contract, including an opt-out after 2025. Yet, his first season in Texas was less than stellar, posting a -0.3 bWAR and a .181/.285/.614 slash line with nine home runs and 26 RBIs over 306 plate appearances in 96 games. Not exactly the return on investment the Rangers had hoped for, especially with an $18.5 million salary this season.
Despite these struggles, there’s a glimmer of hope. Pederson flashed his potential in August, hitting .286/.342/.600 with six home runs and 15 RBIs in 24 games. A right-hand fracture in May, which sidelined him for over three months, likely played a role in his overall performance dip.
As the 2026 season approaches, Pederson seems determined to turn things around. Reports from the offseason suggest he’s been putting in the hard yards.
Shedding 15-20 pounds through a disciplined regimen involving cutting out snacks and working with a personal chef, Pederson has also been training regularly with Texas’ conditioning staff in Arizona. His commitment extended to working five days a week with Rangers hitting instructor Justin Viele starting in January.
This renewed dedication could be pivotal not just for Pederson but for the Rangers’ entire lineup. If he can regain his form, and with stars like Corey Seager, Brandon Nimmo, Wyatt Langford, and Evan Carter staying healthy, the Rangers’ offense could rise to the top tier of the league.
Pederson’s efforts to bounce back could be a game-changer for Texas. His success might just be the key to unlocking the Rangers’ potential and making a serious playoff push this season.
