For the first time since 1995, the Atlanta Braves are World Series champions. The Braves blanked the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park in Game 6 on Tuesday, giving the franchise its first title since the days of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. It's only the second championship for the franchise since the club moved to Atlanta in 1966. The title also means Joc Pederson gets another World Series ring.
Pederson won the World Series with the Dodgers last season, and now he has another championship with the Braves. He is only the ninth player in MLB history to win the World Series in back-to-back years with two different teams (among players who actually played in the World Series).
"I've been fortunate enough to be on a team every year and be in the playoffs," Pederson said following Game 3 last week.
Here are the other eight players to win the World Series in consecutive years with different teams. Not surprisingly, the list skews recent given all the increased player movement we see these days.
| First team | Second team | Reason for change | |
|---|---|---|---|
2015 Royals | 2016 Cubs | Signed as free agent | |
Jake Peavy | 2013 Red Sox | 2014 Giants | Traded at deadline |
Ryan Theriot | 2011 Cardinals | 2012 Giants | Signed as free agent |
Jack Morris | 1991 Twins | 1992 Blue Jays | Signed as free agent |
Don Gullett | 1976 Reds | 1977 Yankees | Signed as free agent |
Moose Skowron | 1962 Yankees | 1963 Dodgers | Traded in offseason |
Clem Labine | 1959 Dodgers | 1960 Pirates | Signed as free agent |
Allie Clark | 1947 Yankees | 1948 Cleveland | Traded in offseason |
Pederson did not take a direct route from the Dodgers to the Braves. He signed with the Cubs as a free agent last offseason, then Chicago sent him to Atlanta prior to the trade deadline as part of their fire sale. It was a one for one trade: Pederson for Bryce Ball, a 23-year-old first baseman who hit .205/.351/.387 in Single-A in 2021. I'd say Atlanta won that trade.
In 64 regular season games with the Braves, Pederson authored a .249/.325/.428 batting line with seven home runs. His overall postseason numbers weren't great (9 for 44 in 16 games), though he has several big moments, most notably his game-winning three-run home run in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Brewers.
Pederson is also a Grade A clubhouse guy who is popular among teammates and keeps things loose. He started wearing a pearl necklace late in the season because, well, why not? Before you knew it, fans at Truist Park followed suit and were wearing pearl necklaces all throughout the postseason. Pederson impact transcends his on-field production.
No player has ever won three straight World Series championships with three different teams. Pederson will become a free agent again this offseason -- his contract includes a $10 million mutual option for 2022 and it seems likely one side will decline that -- and depending where he lands, we could see him in the Fall Classic again next season.
Atlanta Braves World Series championship gear released
The Braves have won their first World Series since 1995. You can now buy Atlanta Braves World Series shirts, hats, jerseys, hoodies, and more to celebrate the historic win. Get gear here now.
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