In mid-November, Joc Pederson accepted a one-year, $19.65 million qualifying offer from the San Francisco Giants for the 2023 season.
He was very good in his first season in the Bay Area, slashing .274/.353/.521 with 57 runs scored, 23 home runs, 70 RBI, three stolen bases and a .874 OPS in just 433 plate appearances.
He did all that while suffering from some conditioning issues at times.
That appears to be changing, according to what Giants manager Gabe Kapler told insider Susan Slusser.
“Gabe Kapler pointed out that Joc Pederson came into camp in improved condition this year and Pederson isn’t sure how much weight he’s lost but he’s visibly slimmer. He cut out a lot of carbs and sugar he said. Hard to eat well during the season, as he pointed out,” Slusser wrote.
Gabe Kapler pointed out that Joc Pederson came into camp in improved condition this year and Pederson isn’t sure how much weight he’s lost but he’s visibly slimmer. He cut out a lot of carbs and sugar he said. He hard to eat well during the season, as he pointed out.
—Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) February 16, 2023
It’s good to see Pederson reporting in fine physical condition, and it may help him stay healthy and endure the rigors of a long season.
Fans pointed out, in the replies section, that it shouldn’t be hard to eat well during the season because players have meals and nutritionists at their disposal.
Slusser explained that it might be harder than it looks.
A lot of guys struggle because they have meals in the clubhouse and on the plane and they go out to eat a lot on the road too. Tougher to count calories out at a restaurant. It isn’t just players who struggle with this during sports seasons – officials, coaches, writers too. 😂
—Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) February 16, 2023
In any case, it’s nice to see Pederson being more cautious with what he eats in order to maximize his physical tools.
He is an extremely talented hitter, and provides a lot of power to a lineup that doesn’t have too much of it.
He is motivated to have a great season because he will be testing the open market after the season ends and could score a lucrative multi-year deal if he excels at the plate.
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