History of Joc Pederson in Timeline

Joc Pederson is a professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the Texas Rangers. He's had a successful MLB career with previous stints on the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Pederson is a two-time World Series champion and a two-time All-Star. He also represents the Israel national baseball team in international competition.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1907: Great-grandmother Zelda Sugarman born

In 1907, Zelda Sugarman, Joc Pederson's great-grandmother, was born in San Francisco.

1925: Tony Lazzeri's 30/30 Season

In 1925, Tony Lazzeri achieved a 30-home run and 30-stolen base season in the PCL, a feat Joc Pederson later matched.

1927: Lefty O'Doul's 30/30 Season

In 1927, Lefty O'Doul achieved a 30-home run and 30-stolen base season in the PCL, a feat Joc Pederson later matched.

1934: Frank Demaree's 30/30 Season

In 1934, Frank Demaree achieved a 30-home run and 30-stolen base season in the PCL, a feat Joc Pederson later matched.

1953: Dodgers Postseason Record

In 1953, Billy Cox, Andre Ethier, and A.J. Ellis had set a Dodgers postseason record for extra-base hits in consecutive games, which was surpassed by Joc Pederson in the 2017 World Series.

1961: Willie Mays Hits Three Multi-Run Home Runs

Joc Pederson became the first Giants player to hit three multi-run home runs in a game since Willie Mays in 1961.

1985: Stu Pederson in MLB

In 1985, Joc Pederson's father, Stu Pederson, played in eight games for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

April 21, 1992: Joc Pederson Born

On April 21, 1992, Joc Russell Pederson was born. He is an American professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB).

Others born on this day/year

1993: Mike Piazza's Rookie Home Runs

In 1993, Mike Piazza hit 35 home runs as a Dodger rookie, the most in franchise history, a record that Joc Pederson approached in his own rookie season.

1995: Hideo Nomo All-Star Selection

In 1995, Hideo Nomo was selected as an All-Star, the first Dodgers rookie to be selected as an All-Star since him before Joc Pederson's selection in 2015.

1999: Chin-Feng Chen's 30/30 Season

In 1999, Chin-Feng Chen became a Dodger minor leaguer to achieve a 30-home run and 30-stolen base season, with 31/31 for the Single-A Inland Empire 66ers.

1999: Raúl Mondesí Opening Day RBIs

In 1999, Raúl Mondesí drove in six runs on Opening Day against the Diamondbacks. This was the most RBIs by a Dodger in an Opening Day game until Joc Pederson's performance in 2017.

April 3, 2000: Eric Karros Hits Grand Slam

On April 3, 2000, Eric Karros hit a grand slam for the Dodgers against Montreal, marking the first grand slam by a Dodger hitter on Opening Day since that game.

2000: Ron Gant's RBI Record

In 2000, Ron Gant hit 26 home runs with 54 RBIs, matching Joc Pederson's RBI total for a player with 25 or more home runs.

2010: High School Graduation

In 2010, Joc Pederson graduated from Palo Alto High School.

2010: Drafted by the Dodgers

In 2010, Joc Pederson was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 11th round of the MLB draft after graduating from Palo Alto High School.

2010: Dodgers Signing

In 2010, Joc Pederson was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 11th round of the MLB draft and received a $600,000 signing bonus.

2011: Pioneer League Performance and Awards

In 2011, Joc Pederson played for the Ogden Raptors of the Pioneer League, achieving a .353 batting average and leading the league in RBIs with 64. He was also selected as a Pioneer League All-Star, a Baseball America Rookie All-Star, and a Topps Short-Season/Rookie League All-Star.

2012: Promotion to Rancho Cucamonga Quakes

In 2012, Joc Pederson was promoted to the High-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the California League, where he batted .313. He was also selected as the Dodgers' "Minor League Player of the Year" and named an AFL Rising Star.

2013: Promotion to Chattanooga Lookouts and All-Star Selections

In 2013, Joc Pederson was promoted to the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts. He was selected to play for the United States at the All-Star Futures Game and in the Southern League All-Star Game.

2013: Played for Israel in World Baseball Classic Qualifying Round

In 2013, Joc Pederson, due to his Jewish heritage, was eligible to play for the Israel national baseball team in the qualifying rounds of the World Baseball Classic, being the youngest player on the team.

2013: Played for Israel in World Baseball Classic

In 2013, Joc Pederson, owing to his Jewish heritage, represented the Israel national baseball team in the World Baseball Classic.

February 2014: Ranked Among Top Baseball Prospects

In February 2014, Joc Pederson was recognized as the 34th-best prospect in baseball by Baseball America.

April 2014: Minor League Prospect of the Month

In April 2014, Joc Pederson was named minor league Prospect of the Month by MLBPipeline.com after batting .398 with 6 home runs and 9 steals for the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes.

September 1, 2014: MLB Debut with the Dodgers

On September 1, 2014, Joc Pederson was called up to the Majors for the first time, joining the Dodgers' 40-man roster.

2014: PCL MVP and Triple-A Player of the Year

In 2014, Joc Pederson finished his minor league season leading the PCL with 106 runs scored and was awarded the PCL Most Valuable Player Award. Baseball America also named him their Triple-A Player of the Year.

2014: Named PCL MVP and MLB Debut

In 2014, Joc Pederson was named the Pacific Coast League (PCL) Most Valuable Player after achieving 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases. He also made his major league debut that September.

2015: Loss of Starting Role

Despite losing his starting role late in the 2015 season, Pederson began 2016 as the Dodgers' center fielder once again.

2015: Starting Center Fielder and All-Star Selection

In 2015, Joc Pederson began the season as the Dodgers' starting center fielder and was selected to start for the National League All-Star team.

2015: Playoff Debut

In 2015, Joc Pederson made his playoff debut as the Dodgers faced the New York Mets in the NL Division Series, but the Dodgers lost in five games.

2015: Rookie Season Performance

In 2015, Joc Pederson played in 151 games, achieving 26 home runs, 67 runs, and 54 RBIs. His batting average was the lowest among qualified hitters, and he tied the Dodgers franchise strikeout record.

2015: Opening Day Starting Center Fielder

In 2015, Joc Pederson was named the Opening Day starting center fielder for the Dodgers, solidifying his position in the team.

2015: All-Star Game and Home Run Derby

In 2015, Joc Pederson was selected to the National League squad for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and participated in the Home Run Derby, reaching the final round.

2015: Statcast began tracking data

In 2015, Statcast began tracking baseball data. Since 2015, Joc Pederson ranked 5th among NL outfielders in home runs (130), and 7th in walks (295).

2015: Longest Giants leadoff home run since Statcast's inception in 2015

On April 24, 2022, Joc Pederson hit a 441-foot leadoff home run, the longest Giants leadoff home run since Statcast's inception in 2015

2015: Ranked among NL Outfielders since 2015

Since his first full season in 2015, Joc Pederson ranked 5th among NL outfielders in home runs (130), and 7th in walks (295).

2016: 25 Home Runs

In 2016, Joc Pederson became the first Dodger to hit at least 25 home runs in each of his first two seasons, totaling 25 home runs.

2016: Performance in 2016 season

In 2016, Joc Pederson played in 137 games, achieving a batting average of .246, an on-base percentage of .352, and a slugging percentage of .495. He hit 25 home runs, 25 doubles, and recorded 68 RBIs, showcasing his power and run-producing ability. His home runs had an average distance of 412.1 feet, ranking him among the top MLB hitters in average home run distance. Pederson also demonstrated plate discipline, seeing 4.18 pitches per plate appearance, placing him among the top ten in the National League. He became the first Dodger to hit at least 25 home runs in each of his first two seasons. Additionally, his average exit velocity on batted balls was in the top 5% of all major league players.

2016: 2016 Postseason Performance

In 2016, Joc Pederson reached the playoffs for the second consecutive year after the Dodgers clinched the NL West title. During Game 4 of the NLDS against the Nationals, he drove in a run after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and later added an RBI double. His home run in Game 5 against Max Scherzer helped the Dodgers advance to the NLCS against the Chicago Cubs. Pederson had an RBI single in Game 3 of the NLCS. Despite his contributions, the Dodgers lost to the Cubs in six games.

2016: Platoon Role and Injuries

In 2016, Joc Pederson served in a platoon role for the Dodgers, mainly playing against right-handers. He also suffered a sprained right AC joint in June, causing him to be placed on the DL.

2017: World Series Appearance with Dodgers

In 2017, Joc Pederson hit three home runs in the World Series, where the Dodgers ultimately lost to the Houston Astros.

2017: 2017 Season Overview

In 2017, Joc Pederson started the season strong by hitting a grand slam on Opening Day (April 3) against the San Diego Padres. On May 23, 2017, he went on the 7-day concussion disabled list after colliding with Yasiel Puig. After being sent to Triple-A in August and being recalled in September, he finished the season with a .212 batting average, 11 home runs, and 35 RBIs. His exit velocity on batted balls of 114.1 mph was in the top 5% of major leaguers.

2017: 2017 Postseason Performance

In 2017, Joc Pederson was initially left off the Dodgers' playoff roster but was later added for the NLCS due to an injury to Corey Seager. He started five of the six World Series games and set a Dodgers postseason record with extra-base hits in five consecutive games. He hit home runs in Games 2, 4, and 6 of the World Series, leading the Dodgers in runs and home runs. Despite his strong performance, the Dodgers lost to the Houston Astros in seven games.

January 2018: Married Kelsey Williams

In January 2018, Joc Pederson married his longtime girlfriend, Kelsey Williams.

October 2018: Birth of daughter

In October 2018, Joc Pederson and his wife Kelsey Williams welcomed their daughter during the National League Championship Series.

2018: Francisco Lindor's Record

In 2018, Francisco Lindor also had six multi-homer games from the leadoff spot, a record that Joc Pederson matched in 2019.

2018: 2018 Postseason Performance

In 2018, Joc Pederson reached the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year as the Dodgers won the NL West. He hit a leadoff home run in Game One of the NLDS against the Braves and had hits in each game of the series. He also played in the World Series against the Boston Red Sox, hitting a solo home run in Game 3. Despite his contributions, the Dodgers lost the series.

2018: World Series Home Run

In 2018, Joc Pederson returned to the World Series with the Dodgers, hitting a home run in Game 3, though the Dodgers lost to the Boston Red Sox.

2018: 2018 Season with the Dodgers

In 2018, Joc Pederson signed a one-year, $2.6 million contract with the Dodgers. He primarily played in a platoon role in left field alongside Matt Kemp. Pederson had two games with two home runs within the same week.

2019: Career-High 36 Home Runs

In 2019, Joc Pederson achieved a career-high of 36 home runs.

2019: Career Year in 2019

In 2019, Joc Pederson had a career year, playing in 149 games and achieving a .249/.339/.538 slash line with 36 home runs and 74 RBIs. He was ranked fifth in the NL for home runs per at-bat. He also tied a major league record with six multi-homer games from the leadoff spot.

2019: 2019 Season Milestones

In 2019, Joc Pederson signed a $5 million contract with the Dodgers. On May 14, 2019, he hit his 100th career home run against the San Diego Padres. He participated in the Home Run Derby at the 2019 MLB All-Star Game. From September 1 to 4, he had an extra-base hit in six consecutive at bats.

2019: Inducted into Jewish Sports Hall of Fame of Northern California

In 2019, Joc Pederson was inducted into the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame of Northern California.

2019: 2019 NLDS Performance

In the first game of the 2019 NLDS against the Washington Nationals, Joc Pederson hit the hardest-hit Dodgers home run of the year, with a 114.9 mph exit velocity. He also had two hits in Game 5, but the Dodgers were defeated by the Nationals.

2020: 2020 Statistics and Playoffs

In 2020, Joc Pederson batted .190 with seven home runs and 16 RBIs. He ended the year fourth in career at-bats-per-home-run among all Dodgers. In the playoffs, he had two hits in five at bats, including two RBIs.

2020: World Series Champion with the Dodgers

In 2020, Joc Pederson had four hits in 10 at-bats during the World Series, contributing to the Dodgers winning the championship.

2020: 2020 Postseason Performance

In 2020, Joc Pederson was a key contributor to the Dodgers' championship run. He hit a home run in Game 3 of the NLCS and was praised for his playoff performance, earning the nickname "Joctober." In Game 5 of the 2020 World Series, he hit a solo home run, helping the Dodgers win the championship.

2020: 2020 Season with Dodgers

In 2020, Joc Pederson was awarded a $7.5 million salary. He was almost traded to the Los Angeles Angels but the trade fell through. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MLB season started in July and lasted only 60 games. Pederson appeared in 43 games and began getting starts at designated hitter. On August 5, 2020, he hit two home runs and had five RBIs against the Padres.

2020: Inducted into Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame

In 2020, Joc Pederson was inducted into the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

2020: Birth of son

Joc Pederson and his wife Kelsey Williams welcomed their son a month before the Dodgers' 2020 World Series championship victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

February 5, 2021: Signs with Chicago Cubs

On February 5, 2021, Joc Pederson signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs for $7 million guaranteed. He chose the number 24 since his usual number 31 was retired.

July 15, 2021: Traded to Atlanta Braves

On July 15, 2021, Joc Pederson was traded to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Bryce Ball. He stepped into the positions previously held by Ronald Acuña Jr. and chose to wear number 22 to honor Clayton Kershaw and Jason Heyward. On July 17, Pederson recorded his first hit as a Brave, a two-run home run.

2021: Braves win 2021 World Series

In 2021, Joc Pederson contributed to the Atlanta Braves' victory in the National League Division Series and hit a significant home run in the National League Championship Series. He then won the 2021 World Series with the Braves, becoming the ninth player in Major League history to win back-to-back World Series with different teams.

2021: World Series Champion with the Braves

In 2021, Joc Pederson, after signing with the Chicago Cubs and being traded to the Atlanta Braves mid-season, won the World Series, becoming the ninth player in Major League history to win back-to-back World Series with different teams.

2021: 2021 Regular Season Performance

In the 2021 regular season, while playing for the Braves, Joc Pederson batted .249/.325/.428 with 7 home runs and 22 RBIs. He had more starts against left-handed pitchers compared to his prior three seasons.

2021: Career Stats through 2021

Through 2021, Joc Pederson had a .501 career slugging percentage against right-handed pitching.

2021: Pearl Necklace in 2021 Postseason

Throughout the 2021 post-season, Joc Pederson wore a signature pearl necklace. Following the Braves' World Series victory, the pearl necklace was sent to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

March 16, 2022: Signed with San Francisco Giants

On March 16, 2022, Joc Pederson signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, returning to the National League West.

April 24, 2022: Hit leadoff home run

On April 24, 2022, Joc Pederson hit a 441-foot leadoff home run for the Giants against the Nationals.

October 2022: Expecting third child

Joc Pederson and his wife announced that they were expecting their third child in October 2022.

2022: Rank Among Jewish Baseball Players

As of 2022, Joc Pederson was second among Jewish baseball players in career home run frequency (behind Hank Greenberg), seventh in career home runs (behind Al Rosen), and eighth in career slugging percentage (behind Ron Blomberg).

2022: 2022 Batting Stats

In 2022, Joc Pederson batted .274/.353/.521 with 23 home runs and 70 RBIs, showcasing strong performance with runners in scoring position.

2022: All-Star Game Selection

In 2022, Joc Pederson started in the outfield for the National League in his return to Dodger Stadium for the 2022 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, his second career All-Star selection and start.

2022: Mutual Option for 2022 Season

Joc Pederson's contract with the Chicago Cubs included a mutual option for the 2022 season.

2023: 2023 Season Performance

In 2023, Joc Pederson batted .235/.348/.416 with 15 home runs and 51 RBIs, playing primarily as a designated hitter for 79 games.

2023: Played for Israel in World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Joc Pederson played for Israel again in the World Baseball Classic.

January 30, 2024: Signed with Arizona Diamondbacks

On January 30, 2024, Joc Pederson signed a one-year, $12.5 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks that included a mutual option for 2025.

December 30, 2024: Signed with Texas Rangers

On December 30, 2024, Joc Pederson signed a two-year, $37 million contract with the Texas Rangers.

2024: 2024 Season Stats

In 2024, Joc Pederson had a strong offensive season, batting .275/.393/.515 with 23 home runs, leading the NL in on-base percentage and hit by pitch. He played primarily as a designated hitter for 120 games. He declined his share of the mutual 2025 option after the season, making him a free agent.

2025: Mutual option for 2025 was declined

In 2024, Joc Pederson declined his share of the mutual 2025 option after the season, making him a free agent.

2025: Career-Worst Slump

Joc Pederson struggled to begin the 2025 season, as he endured a career-worst 0-for-41 slump that spanned from April 2 to April 23, with the hitless stretch setting a new franchise record for the Rangers.