Rangers' Joc Pederson Unleashes NSFW Reaction After Ending Slump

The struggling outfielder homered for his first hit of the 2026 season, then let his emotions show.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:28pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting using bold, neon-colored brushstrokes to depict the intense, celebratory energy of a baseball player hitting a home run and reacting with raw emotion.Pederson's fiery celebration after ending his early-season slump reflects the high stakes and pressure he faces as a high-priced Rangers acquisition.Cincinnati Today

Texas Rangers outfielder Joc Pederson, who has struggled mightily to start the 2026 season, finally broke out of his slump with a home run against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. Pederson's immediate reaction to the hit was caught on camera, with the veteran yelling an NSFW phrase directed at his critics.

Why it matters

Pederson's outburst highlights the immense pressure and scrutiny he has faced after a disastrous 2025 campaign and a brutal start to this season. As a high-priced offseason acquisition, the Rangers are counting on Pederson to produce, and his emotional reaction shows how much the slump has weighed on him.

The details

Pederson entered Sunday's game against the Reds hitless in 16 at-bats to start the season. After popping out and striking out in his first two plate appearances, he finally connected for a home run in the seventh inning off Reds pitcher Chase Burns. Pederson's immediate reaction was to yell 'Keep talkin' s**t! Keep talkin' s**t!' in an apparent message to his critics.

  • Pederson entered Sunday's game 0-for-16 to start the 2026 season.
  • He hit his first home run of the year in the seventh inning against the Reds.

The players

Joc Pederson

A 33-year-old outfielder for the Texas Rangers who is struggling to start the 2026 season after a disastrous 2025 campaign.

Chase Burns

The Cincinnati Reds pitcher who gave up Pederson's home run in the seventh inning.

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What they’re saying

“'Keep talkin' s**t! Keep talkin' s**t!'”

— Joc Pederson, Texas Rangers Outfielder

The takeaway

Pederson's emotional outburst after ending his slump underscores the immense pressure he is facing to turn his career around and justify the Rangers' investment in him. While the reaction may rub some the wrong way, it also shows Pederson's determination to silence his critics and regain his past form.