Diamondbacks $14 million All-Star predicted to opt out of deal

The Arizona Diamondbacks made a trip to the World Series in 2023 but were unable to get over the hump.

Arizona fell against the Texas Rangers, and so it went back to the drawing board ahead of the 2024 campaign. The Diamondbacks signed two-time All-Star Joc Pederson to a one-year deal with a mutual option for the 2025 campaign.

It's unclear what will happen in regard to the option, but Spotrac's Michael Ginnitti predicted that Pederson will end up turning down the $14 million option and end up hitting free agency.

"Joc Pederson (DH, Diamondbacks)," Ginnitti said. "Option: $14M ($3M buyout). It can be argued that Pederson just completed his most productive (Major League Baseball) season in terms of both power, efficiency, and even seven stolen bases to boot. The 32-year-old was used primarily as a (designated hitter) in 2024, limiting his value to a degree, but it stands to reason that the player will want to cash in on his nice season this winter. Prediction: declined by player."

Pederson launched 23 home runs and drove in 64 runs in 2024 while slashing .275/.393/.515 in 132 games played for Arizona. If he does hit free agency, he is projected to get just over $29 million over two years.

It would make sense for Pederson to turn down the option because of the fact that he could get a multi-year deal worth more. Arizona certainly should look to bring him back.

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