Pederson exercises player option to stay with Rangers in '26 (reports)
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ARLINGTON -- The Rangers only had one option decision for 2026, and to no surprise, it has been exercised.
According to reports, designated hitter Joc Pederson exercised his $18.5 million player option for the 2026 season. The club has not yet confirmed.
Pederson’s deal -- which was signed last December -- includes a mutual option for 2027.
With the Rangers desperately needing power throughout the lineup, Pederson seemed to be the perfect addition to the club going into last season. He hit .275/.393/.515 with 23 home runs for Arizona in 2024, leading to the deal with Texas.
Instead, he put up career lows in nearly every statistical category. Pederson hit .181/.285/.328 with nine home runs, including a franchise-record 0-for-41 slump.
Before fracturing his right hand in May, he went .131/.269/.238 in 46 games. He was slightly better when he returned on July 27, hitting .224/.300/.406 in 50 games, but ultimately did not live up to his billing.
With the Rangers’ front office wanting to become younger and cheaper going into 2026, they will need to make contract decisions on a number of players in the coming weeks, including Jonah Heim and Adolis García -- both of whom Texas could also be willing to trade.