The Dodgers gave Pederson just 162 plate appearances against left-handers over the past three seasons. A trade to the Angels fell through in February, and the Dodgers are saying he will remain with the team, so expect Pederson to remain in a strict platoon role. With the new rules governing pitcher usage, Pederson stands to benefit a little bit as opposing managers will be reluctant to bring in a LOOGY with fewer than two outs. Pederson set a personal best with 36 homers, benefiting from the added-flight ball. His average exit velocity and launch angle were virtually the same as the prior year, but his average flyball distance was up seven feet, in line with the projected 5-to-10 feet of added distance from the reduction in drag. The caution is Pederson stands to suffer if MLB reverts to the 2018 version of the baseball. Assuming more is known about the ball in the spring, Pederson could be a target if it doesn't change, or potentially someone to avoid with the old ball. Read Past Outlooks