Dodgers: Five Bold Predictions for the 2018 Season

The Joc Pederson experiment finally ends

2018 may be Joc Pederson’s last chance to make an impression on the Dodgers. Things were looking good after improvement from his sophomore year, but then he more than regressed in 2017, even getting sent down to triple-A, where he struggled even more.

Thus, bringing into question is he the guy from 2016 or the one the one from the two years that sandwich 2016? It seems more and more likely that he is the latter. His spring struggles are nothing to scoff at either. Yes, it is only the preseason, but those struggles are in line with his career struggles.

In the big picture, 20 plate appearances in the World Series do not outweigh the rest of his body of work. If he continues to struggle, the front office may finally think it is time to cut bait with the soon-to-be 26-year old; either via trade or straight demotion since he still has options left.

Even if he improves a little, say to his “peak year’ of 2016, does the front office think having a .240-.250 hitter that can hit for some power (when right) and draw walks while striking out a lot and play diminishing defense in the infield is worth taking up a spot on the bench?

The Dodgers have more high-upside guys such as Andrew Toles and Alex Verdugo in the wings, not to mention the younger prospects. The Dodgers might feel it would be best to move him before risking his value dropping.

The first scenario is more likely. Thus the front office’s patience will finally run dry, and they will look to move him in a trade, including him in a package for…