Joc Pederson says West Alabama has a new sheriff.
The slugger said the Rangers are ready to overtake the Astros, the defending division champions, after signing a two-year, $37 million contract with Texas this offseason.
“There are a lot of things in place to keep us on track.” pederson said Inaugural press conference on Tuesday. “We played the Astros a few times in the World Series in the playoffs. They put together a great run and it was coming to an end and it was time for us to conquer the West. So, as I said, the Rangers A lot of things are going in the right direction to get us to the top of the division.”
The AL West has been the first Astros invitational in recent history, with Houston winning the division four consecutive seasons and seven times in the past eight years.
The only temporary change during this period occurred during the 2020 coronavirus-shortened season.
The Rangers, on the other hand, haven't won a division title since 2016, but have won the World Series during this span and even defeated the Astros in the 2023 ALCS en route to the title.
Pederson's comments come as Houston appears to be at its most vulnerable position, with mainstay Kyle Tucker being traded to the Cubs this offseason and Alex Bregman expected to leave in free agency. It was served in
It's not a sound strategy to bet against Houston, but it may be the Rangers, Mariners, Athletics, and Angels' best chance to claim the championship in the near future.
The Rangers were active in free agency, adding Pederson, catcher Kyle Higashioka, former Marlins slugger Jake Berger, and re-signing Nathan Eovaldi.
They also traded first baseman Nathaniel Rowe to the Nationals.
Texas went 78-84 last season.
“When you talk to a lot of teams, they want to win the World Series and do this from the beginning. [general manager Chris Young]”All we have to do is get to the playoffs.” you let [manager Bruce] “Bosey usually does well when he does what Bosey does in the playoffs,” Pederson said. “If you add furikake, [shortstop Corey] Seeger there, before you know it we'll all be walking around with more rings. ”
