After Jesse Winker’s electrifying postseason with the New York Mets, it’s easy to overlook his rough September. While J.D. Martinez’s struggles drew attention, Winker’s performance wasn’t much better, and aside from one grand slam, his contributions late in the regular season were minimal. Yet, his red-hot October turned him into a fan favorite, making him the Mets’ most consistent hitter throughout the playoffs. While re-signing him as a designated hitter and occasional outfielder is an option, the Mets could be considering another path.
One alternative just hit the market—Joc Pederson. After opting out of his $14 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Pederson offers a similar profile to Winker, with perhaps even more consistency.
Joc Pederson: A Familiar Face in the NL with Winker-like Appeal
Pederson, a National League mainstay, played one season in Arizona before opting to test the market, possibly in hopes of a better contract. Known for his power, patience, and improved plate discipline, Pederson brings many of the same strengths as Winker. Since his early days with the Dodgers, where he was primarily a center fielder, Pederson has developed into a reliable bat, as he showed in 2024 with a .275/.393/.515 slash line, 23 home runs, and 64 RBIs. These numbers closely resemble his All-Star 2022 season with the Giants, when he slashed .274/.353/.521 with 23 home runs and 70 RBIs.
Although his 2023 numbers dipped, Pederson’s move to Arizona saw him regain his power. Now primarily serving as a left-handed DH, he showed consistency, especially against right-handers, with a .281/.392/.531 slash line. He even managed a .405 OBP against lefties, with a league-leading 18 hit-by-pitches contributing to his on-base numbers. And his performance was consistent on the road as well, where he hit .276/.411/.510.
Role and Potential Impact on the Mets’ Lineup
Pederson would fit comfortably into a left-handed DH role, forming a platoon with Starling Marte and other Mets sluggers. Unlike Winker, who can offer limited defensive versatility, Pederson is strictly a designated hitter at this point. His power and patience at the plate, however, make him an attractive option for the Mets as they seek lineup flexibility.
High-Energy Personality a Good Fit for New York
Both Pederson and Winker share a high-energy style and strong clubhouse presence, factors that resonate with fans. Winker’s slightly better athletic versatility is an edge, but Pederson’s recent consistency could be a bigger draw for the Mets, especially given Winker’s rough 2023 season with Milwaukee. While Pederson may seek a higher salary than the Mets would ideally pay a platoon player, his track record and energy could be well worth it.
If the Mets are seeking a player with Winker’s vibe but a bit more steady production, Joc Pederson might be the closest they can get.
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