Former Atlanta Braves outfielder Joc Pederson has reportedly waived his affiliate option with the Arizona Diamondbacks, making him a free agent.

The Braves brought back several members of the 2021 World Series-winning team for the 2024 season, and the results were mixed at best. But if there was one guy they could bring back who would be a big hit, it would be Pederson.

There’s a reason Pederson walked away from the deal. He is having the best season of his career and this is his peak time to test the open market. At 32, this may be his only chance to earn a solid salary.

So yes, the Braves would pay for his services in prime time, those numbers would be worth it. In 132 matches this seasonPederson slashed .275/.395/.515. He set career highs in batting average, on-base percentage, OPS (.908), OPS+ (151) and had his second-best WAR (2.9).

Despite the return of Ronald Acuña Jr., another outfield bat wouldn’t hurt. Jorge Soler was traded because his glove was a liability, and Jarred Kelenic has good defense but not a great bat.

Pederson can be a solid, consistent power bat in the lineup.

While Pederson certainly has the bat, his glove may be questionable. He actually had a solid glove during his first few years in the league. However, as his career progressed, his quality declined.

The Diamondbacks used him as their designated hitter in 2024. He doesn’t have last season’s defensive stats. This is undoubtedly a red flag, especially after dumping Soler.

But there is an argument here in favor of rolling the dice. Pederson committed eight career errors in left field in 2,760 2/3 innings pitched. Meanwhile, Kelenic, who started 75 games in left field for the Braves, has six career errors in left field in 1,359 1/3 innings.

The Braves can get a guy with only two more errors in a double-hitter. This would also be an upgrade over other options from last season like Adam Duvall and Eddie Rosario.

So his glove isn’t the best, but it’s still somewhat of an upgrade and the Braves get a much better bat.