Paul DeJong signs with the New York Yankees
The New York Yankees have reached an agreement with infielder Paul DeJong for a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. The news was confirmed this Sunday.
DeJong, 32, could earn $1 million if he makes the team.
The nine-year veteran debuted in the Major Leagues as the starting shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017 and finished second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting. He was an All-Star two years later, when he finished with 30 home runs and 5.2 bWAR, but has not been able to replicate that production since then.
Batted .228 with six home runs and a .642 OPS in 57 games with the Washington Nationals last season. Started 32 games at third base, 11 at second base, seven at shortstop, and one at first base.
The incorporation of DeJong comes shortly after the Yankees re-signed Amed Rosario, another veteran right-handed hitting infielder, to a one-year, $2.5 million contract in the Major Leagues, apparently to alternate with the left-handed hitter Ryan McMahon at third base.
The Yankees are expected to be without shortstop Anthony Volpe for the start of the season after he underwent shoulder surgery in October. Other options in the infield include Jose Caballero and Oswaldo Cabrera, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last May.
The Yankees’ agreement with DeJong was initially reported.
