Detroit Tigers hypothetical trade: J.D. Martinez for Willie Calhoun and Joc Pederson
By Ben Rosener
Detroit’s end of the deal
More on Joc Pederson’s potential fit with the Detroit Tigers
The Tigers could probably plug both Pederson and Calhoun into the big league roster, but Pederson is the safer bet to contribute right away.
A 25-year-old center fielder with a penchant for power and drawing walks, the outfielder would solve Detroit’s black hole in center field.
Last season, Pederson led Los Angeles in ISO with a .249 stat, while also finishing second in walk percentage, with a 13.2 number and third in on-base percentage with a .352 clip.
Overall, the center fielder hit .246 with a .495 slugging percentage, a .847 OPS, a 129 wRC+, 68 RBI, 64 runs scored, 63 walks, 26 doubles, 25 home runs and six stolen bases.
His power should immediately help make up for the loss of Martinez in the lineup.
Pederson also showed well in center field, with a 1.5 UZR and a 0.4 UZR/150.
This year, the former All-Star is struggling somewhat with a .216 batting average, but he’s still drawing plenty of walks thanks to a .338 on-base percentage.
Additionally, Pederson has had some rough luck with a .269 BABIP that is sure influencing his stat line. In time, his numbers will begin turn around.
According to Spotrac, the former 11th-round draft pick isn’t yet arbitration eligible. He won’t hit free agency until after the 2020 campaign.
Moving forward, it’s hard not to get excited about a potential outfield consisting of Pederson, Upton and Stewart.