Rangers' Joc Pederson Struggling to Find His Form: What's Behind the Slump?

The Texas Rangers have been one of the most exciting teams to watch in the MLB this season, with a mix of young talent and veteran leadership. However, one player who has been struggling to find his form is outfielder Joc Pederson. According to a recent report by CBSSports.com, Pederson is mired in a slump, and it's affecting the team's overall performance.

Pederson, who was acquired by the Rangers in the offseason, was expected to be a key contributor to the team's lineup. With a career batting average of .233 and 145 home runs, he was seen as a power-hitting threat in the middle of the order. However, so far this season, Pederson has been unable to replicate his past success. He's currently hitting just .190 with only 5 home runs, and his on-base percentage is a dismal .270.

What's Behind the Slump?

So, what's behind Pederson's struggles at the plate? According to CBSSports.com, Pederson has been having trouble making contact with the ball, striking out at an alarming rate of 25%. He's also been struggling to hit the ball out of the infield, with a ground ball rate of 45%. These numbers are a far cry from his career averages, and it's clear that something is amiss.

One possible explanation for Pederson's struggles is the adjustment to a new team and a new league. After spending his entire career in the National League, Pederson is now facing American League pitchers, who have a different style and approach. Additionally, the Rangers' ballpark, Globe Life Park, is known for being a tough place to hit, with a large outfield and a pitcher-friendly atmosphere.

Can Pederson Turn it Around?

Despite his struggles, Pederson is still a talented player with a lot to offer. He's a career .233 hitter with power, and he's shown flashes of brilliance in the past. To turn his season around, Pederson will need to make some adjustments at the plate, such as being more selective with his pitches and working on his pitch recognition. He'll also need to find a way to elevate the ball more, as his ground ball rate is currently too high.

The Rangers are still confident in Pederson's abilities, and they're working with him to get him back on track. With a strong support system and a willingness to make adjustments, there's no reason why Pederson can't turn his season around and start contributing to the team's success. As the season wears on, it will be interesting to see if Pederson can break out of his slump and become the player the Rangers thought they were getting when they signed him.

Joc Pederson's slump is a concern for the Texas Rangers, but it's not a lost cause. With some adjustments and a bit of luck, Pederson can turn his season around and start contributing to the team's success. As the season wears on, it will be interesting to see how Pederson responds to his struggles and whether he can regain his form as a power-hitting threat in the middle of the order. For now, Rangers fans will have to wait and see if Pederson can break out of his slump and start hitting like the player they know he can be. Note: This article is based on the information available at the time of writing and may not reflect the current situation or statistics.