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Dodgers: 5 Bold Predictions for the 2017 Season

By Anthony Perez

Mar 8, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) 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 manager Dave Roberts (30) during a spring training game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 20, 2017; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Joc Pederson (31) blows a bubble before the game against the Cleveland Indians at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Joc Pederson has a breakout year.

Since coming up to the team in 2014, Joc has been a key component to the Dodgers’ lineup.

His above average defense in center has been great, but his real value lies in his bat. 2017 will be the year when Joc puts it all together and shows his true value.

After struggling to make contact in his first year, Pederson bounced back last year and increased his batting average from .210 to .246 while also reducing his strikeouts from 170 to 130. This spring, Joc has been tampering with his swing a bit, in hopes of batting better against left-handed pitching. If Joc can prove himself to be a consistent hitter against southpaws, he could end up with 30+ home runs.

Expect big things from Joc this year, he’s getting more experienced with big league pitching and will be ready to contribute big numbers for the team. If he can improve his contact against lefties he is going to have a monster season. We already know his power upside so I’m expecting a big season in the power category and a moderate increase in his overall contribution.

 

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