SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — It's no secret the Arizona Diamondbacks are full of young promising talent for. The team's World Series run in 2023 proved that and now they are looking to do the same with an influx of new talent.
One player in particular comes to mind when you look at the roster and it belongs to designated hitter Joc Pederson.
"I am excited to get going, it's a great group," Pederson said. "I just want to fit in and do what I can to help the team."
Pederson has been outspoken about the allure the Diamondbacks have when it comes to playing the game the "right way" while cultivating a positive culture. He has since echoed those sentiments, speaking to the media for the first time at Spring Training.
"Just the standard that they play baseball at and hold themselves to," Pederson said. "It's a young group of guys you can tell show up ready to play. They like each other, pulling on the same string, and play the game the right way. I am excited to be a part of it and do what I can to try to help."
Manager Torey Lovullo said Pederson is a great addition to the team and while he believes the transition may take time, he is optimistic about how he will fit in with the younger group.
"I am watching him from afar, have had a couple of close conversations with him and I just want these players to perform, I don't want to overwhelm him at the beginning," Lovullo said. "It seems like everything has been going very well for him, he's a smart player, really smart player, and knows exactly what he needs and we're going to get him there the best way we know how."
Not to mention, who wouldn't want to join an organization fresh off a World Series appearance and hungry to run it back? Pederson is one of the first to admit that was one of many attractive reasons to come to the Valley.
"I love playing in the playoffs and have been fortunate to win a couple of World Series and this team in here is definitely hungry to do the same," Pederson said.
Let's hope Pederson and company can do exactly that as we inch closer to the start of the 2024 MLB regular season. In the meantime, the D-backs will play their first Spring Training contest on Friday, Feb., 23 against the Rockies at Salt River Fields.
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