Joc Pederson comments on Cubs trade deadline plans, future in Chicago
By Mark Carman
Chicago Cubs outfielder Joc Pederson would like to extend his stay at Wrigley Field after the 2021 season.
There was no hesitation from Joc Pederson describing the biggest difference between playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers to now playing for the Chicago Cubs.
“The day games,” Pederson told Da Windy City podcast. “I’m starting to enjoy them though. I get to hang out with my family after the kids aren’t sleeping yet. It’s actually cool, like a 9-to-5 rather than a 1-to-11. Kinds starting to enjoy them a lot.”
Pederson has enjoyed playing at Wrigley Field more so than on the road in 2021 adjusting to the new routine. The numbers tell the story:
Home: .254/.326/.752 vs Road .206/.271/.676.
“Super blessed for my opportunity to have here in Chicago,” Pederson said. “The fans have been super welcoming. The team has, and the city. I’m loving my time here and it’s been a great experience.”
Cubs trade rumors: Joc Pederson wants to stay in Chicago
Winds of change are circling at Wrigley Field after an 11-game losing streak pushed the Cubs out of contention. Pederson is hopeful management will remain patient for a little while longer before the July 30th trade deadline.
“We were in first place two weeks ago,” Pederson said. “We are a good team. There is a lot of season left, three months. It was a tough streak we went on, but we were built for this so it’s all good.”
Management might not see it as “all good.” The writing has been on the wall since Yu Darvish was traded in the offseason to San Diego for lower level prospects. Cubs 2021 was about resetting the the team for the future.
The Cubs defied the odds the first 2 1/2 months of the season sitting in first place 11 games over .500 after sweeping the Cardinals at Wrigley on June 13th. That seems like 2 1/2 years ago now after injuries and a deficient starting rotation ultimately caught up to the club.
“It wasn’t fun the last 10 days, but other than that it’s been amazing,” Pederson emphasized. “We are going to get back to the amazing and winning some ball games. Great group of guys that are super talented and like to have fun.”
Sounds like Pederson is hopeful to stick around no matter what changes are coming.
“That would be pretty cool,” Pederson said. “Love it here, let’s see how it works out.”
Joc Pederson is working with Pepsi and the Cubs on their Ultimate Wrigley Field Fan Experience looking for fans to sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”