The Diamondbacks have officially announced the signing of outfielder Joc Pederson to a one-year deal. In order to clear space on the 40-man roster, they designated right-handed pitcher Collin Snider for assignment.
Pederson, 31, adds a left-handed power bat in the middle of the D-backs lineup. He'll earn $9.5 million for the 2024 season, followed by a $14 million mutual option for 2025 that has a $3 million buyout. Given the nature of mutual options, it's likely Pederson rejoins the free agent market next winter.
The main appeal for Pederson is a buy-low candidate whose underlying batted ball data significantly outperformed his bottom line numbers. Last year he hit .235 with 15 home runs and a 111 OPS+ with the San Francisco Giants in 121 games. However, looking at his Baseball Savant page, there is an argument that poor fortune could have been in play for those numbers.
Snider, 28, was claimed off waivers from the Royals on December 18th. In 62 career appearances, the right-hander is 4-2 with a 5.93 ERA/6.01 FIP in 54 2/3 innings as a reliever. The D-backs will have seven days to either trade, release, or attempt to outright him to the minors. Should Snider pass through waivers, the D-backs would most likely outright him to Triple-A Reno to serve as minor league bullpen depth.
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