Joc Pederson trolls fans with Phillie Phanatic photo amid free agency

Joc Pederson knows it’s hot stove season and baseball fans will jump on any potential news.

So it seems the free agent had a little bit of fun at the expense of Phillies fans Wednesday when he posted a photo of himself alongside the Phillie Phanatic.

“It’s always sunny in Philadelphia,” Pederson captioned the photo.

Normally, that type of photo would represent that Pederson is Philly-bound for the 2024 season, and fans reacted accordingly on social media.

But that’s not the case.

Phillies beat writers reported that the team had not signed the 31-year-old outfielder.

You have to give it to Pederson: That’s a pretty good rib and understanding of the baseball offseason.

Before the Yankees traded for Juan Soto, the baseball hot stove had been anything but blistering.

With no disrespect to new Yankee Alex Verdugo and Rangers newcomer Kirby Yates, those moves aren’t exactly leading national talk shows.

The sport is slowed by the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes, as once he decides which team he’ll sign with next, then the runner-ups will pivot to some of the other top free agents.

Even the pitching-needy teams have to hold off moves until they know where Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be pitching in 2024.

Once the big dominoes fall, then other top free agents should start coming off the board.

Pederson is not a top free agent, but the veteran brings a championship pedigree and a career .800 OPS.

The ex-Giant hit .235 with a .764 OPS last season, but posted an .874 OPS for San Francisco the previous season.

He’s also played for the Dodgers, Cubs and Braves.

He makes sense for plenty of teams that need a lefty slugger.

As for the Phillies, their offseason has been quiet since they re-signed Aaron Nola.

However, President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski is known for being a big-game hunter and could have a big move up his sleeve.