Much of Joc Pederson’s 2022 campaign has been sweet. He earned his second All-Star selection, and first since 2015. He’s hit 23 homers, his most since 2019. He got to perform near his native Palo Alto and spend more time with his family.
But the second half of this season has clearly left the outfielder salty.
For the first time in his nine-year career, Pederson won’t compete in the postseason. The Giants aren’t officially eliminated, but their playoff odds odometer has read “empty” since SF lost 11 of 13 to close August.
“Not fun,” Pederson said Tuesday when asked about being out of the playoff hunt.
“I like playing in the playoffs. I signed up here after the team won 107 games, expecting to compete again. Things didn’t go our way. Happens. I don’t enjoy not playing meaningful baseball.”
Pederson’s comments came after he belted his 23rd homer of the year in a 5-2 Giants victory — their seventh in their past eight games. His solo shot came on the first German Marquez pitch of the game for his 25th career leadoff home run.
But Tuesday’s victory brought SF to just 76-78 on the year. With eight games left, the Giants are 7.5 games out of a wild card spot.
So, barring a miracle’s miracle, Pederson will be packing up early for the first time in his MLB career. And he’ll vacation as a free agent.
The Giants have already expressed interest in retaining Pederson. President of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi said on KNBR that he’s already started talking to his representatives.
“We’d love to have him back next year,” Zaidi said.
But the feeling would have to be mutual for the Giants to re-sign Pederson. Might missing the playoffs change his appetite to come back to the Giants?
“I think this team is really good,” Pederson said. “They won 107 games last year. Dealt with some injuries, dealt with some other things that were tough. But this is for sure a playoff team. And I think it was more of a fluke year.”
If Pederson is truly convinced the Giants can reload and contend like they did in 2021, a reunion becomes more likely. But when asked point-blank if he wants to return to San Francisco, the outfielder dodged like he was getting out of the way of a wild pitch.
“It’s a really cool organization,” Pederson said. “I’ve played for four really awesome organizations. I don’t know. I guess we’ll see what happens in the offseason.”
The Giants would need to finish the season at least 5-3 for a .500 or better record. Pederson said that milestone is “irrelevant” as long as it doesn’t come with a playoff berth.
And although it may have been subtle, or perhaps unintentional, Pederson has already begun describing the Giants in past-tense, finite terms.
“It’s been nice,” Pederson said of playing close to home. “I’ve really had fun. First-class organization. They do everything the right way. And I’m glad that I got to be a part of it for a year.”