Maybe Next Year, Joc Pederson
Sep 7, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Joc Pederson (65), center fielder Andre Ethier (16) and left fielder Matt Kemp (27) in the outfield after the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
One of the Dodgers most heralded prospects is outfielder Joc Pederson. Unfortunately for Pederson, the LA outfield is arguably the most overcrowded position in the bigs. Joc Pederson will have to compete with Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, and Carl Crawford.
There is no question that Joc Pederson is ready for the show. His AAA numbers are terrific, which was highlighted by posting a 30-30 season. Pederson is on the short list of prospects that could have the biggest impact in 2015 and beyond. He is built to be a top draft pick in the future.
In only 121 games, Joc Pederson posted arguably some of the best numbers in the minors (I personally believe only the great Kris Bryant exceeded Pederson’s 2014). Take a look for yourself at the greatness of the Dodgers new outfielder:
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There is no question that Joc has the chance to be a game-changer in MLB and the Dodgers recognized that his talents were worthy of a September call-up as they contend for their first World Series title since 1988.
As mentioned above, it is important to remember that Pederson is now one of five players contending for three spots.
Since his first game with the big league club on September 1st, Pederson has only recorded three starts and 18 plate appearances. So far, he has only managed two singles and two walks compared to seven strikeouts. However, this is such a meaningless and small sample size to accurately gauge his abilities.
The real value from a fantasy perspective is to watch him play and see how he looks against Major League pitching. Of course, he still will not even be 23 by Opening Day 2015, so his room to grow and develop as a professional hitter is still quite large.
If you are playing in a keeper league, then he should already be owned and potentially kept depending on the number of keepers and teams. If you are a non-keeper, then keep a tab on this kid for 2015.
He may very well struggle with the Dodgers in 2015 because he is still young, but I think his talent is too immense for them not to find Joc Pederson a spot in their outfield. Look for the Dodgers’ front office to try to move some of their overpaid outfielders in order to accommodate for their top hitting prospect even if they have to eat some of the bad contracts they gave to Crawford, Kemp, and Ethier.