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Dodgers Roster Preview 2017: The Outfield

By Evan Lovett

Oct 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson (31) and right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) before playing against the Washington Nationals during game four of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson (31) and right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) before playing against the Washington Nationals during game four of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 8, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson (31) during a spring training game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson (31) during a spring training game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

Joc Pederson

Pederson is the only Dodger outfielder that heads into April with a guaranteed full-time job. The 24-year old is clearly on the ascent, with a bat and glove both well above average. There are definitely holes in his swing, but he has other strengths.

With 51 home runs and a .792 OPS in his first two full seasons, Pederson provides a unique power threat from a position generally associated with speed. Through the slump during the second half of his rookie carried over into his 2016, he made adjustments.

Shortening his swing, Pederson returned to have a thunderous September during the Dodgers playoff run. Dave Roberts used a minor platoon with Pederson and Kiké Hernandez last season.

Pederson’s age and late-season improvement have earned him the right to start against left-handers and right-handers, at least to begin the season.

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