Yankees Sign Paul DeJong to Minor League Deal for Spring Training

BREAKING: The New York Yankees have just announced a minor league agreement with infielder Paul DeJong, including an invitation to spring training. The deal, confirmed by sources to ESPN on Sunday, positions DeJong to potentially earn $1 million if he secures a spot on the team.

DeJong, who is 32 years old, began his career as the everyday shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017 and notably finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting. His peak came in 2019, when he was selected as an All-Star after hitting 30 home runs and achieving a 5.2 bWAR. However, since then, his performance has significantly declined.

Last season, DeJong played 57 games with the Washington Nationals, posting a batting average of only .228 with six home runs and a .642 OPS. His flexibility in the infield was evident as he started games at various positions: 32 at third base, 11 at second base, seven at shortstop, and one at first base.

This addition comes shortly after the Yankees re-signed veteran utility player Amed Rosario to a one-year, $2.5 million major league deal, indicating a strategic move to enhance their infield depth. The Yankees are facing challenges as they prepare for the upcoming season, particularly with the absence of shortstop Anthony Volpe, who is recovering from shoulder surgery he underwent in October.

Other infield options for the Yankees include Jose Caballero and Oswaldo Cabrera, but Cabrera is coming off a challenging season due to a knee injury that ended his campaign early in May.

As the Yankees gear up for spring training, DeJong’s performance will be closely scrutinized, providing fans with hope for a resurgence in his career. The urgency surrounding this signing emphasizes the Yankees’ commitment to bolstering their roster ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops and spring training kicks off. Fans will eagerly await to see how DeJong fits into the Yankees’ plans and whether he can reclaim his past All-Star form.