Yankees Sign Infielder Paul DeJong To Minor League Deal

The New York Yankees just made a quiet but interesting move, signing veteran infielder Paul DeJong to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training.

It’s not the kind of move that grabs headlines, but it does give the roster some much-needed infield insurance. The Yankees are already facing a lot of competition as camp approaches, so this feels like a classic low-risk, maybe-high-reward signing.

Yankees Add Veteran Infield Depth with Paul DeJong

DeJong’s deal gives him a shot at the big-league roster and a $1 million salary if he makes it. The Yankees are trying to balance big expectations with a tight roster, so this move helps them stabilize things without making any long-term commitments.

At 32, DeJong brings postseason experience and some pop at the plate. He can play both shortstop and third base, which gives the Yankees a little more flexibility as they try to sort out a crowded bench.

The Contract Breakdown

DeJong signed a minor-league contract with a spring training invite. If he breaks camp with the team, he’ll get $1 million in the majors.

It’s a low-cost audition, really—good for both sides.

From Cardinals Star to Baseball Nomad

DeJong’s name still means something, mostly because he burst onto the MLB scene. The Cardinals drafted him in the fourth round back in 2015, and he quickly became one of the most exciting young infielders in the league.

In his 2017 rookie year, DeJong hit 25 home runs and finished second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting. The Cardinals locked him up with a six-year extension, hoping he’d be their shortstop for years.

Offensive Decline and a Second Wind

But things changed after the shortened 2020 season. DeJong’s bat just didn’t hold up—he hit .196/.280/.351 over the next three years.

His defense was fine, but the offense vanished. Still, 2023 wasn’t a total loss. He put up about league-average numbers with St. Louis before a short, rough stint in Toronto.

A Solid 2024 and an Injury-Plagued 2025

Then came 2024, and DeJong bounced back with the White Sox. He hit 24 home runs in 139 games, splitting time between third and short.

He finished with a 96 wRC+, showing he could still help a team. That earned him a shot with the Nationals in 2025, but a fractured nose from a pitch knocked him out for ten weeks.

Numbers That Tell a Mixed Story

After the injury, DeJong struggled to get his timing back. He wrapped up 2025 with a 76 wRC+ in 208 plate appearances.

He hit free agency again, searching for a fresh start and another chance to prove himself.

How DeJong Fits into the Yankees’ Picture

Getting playing time in New York won’t be simple. DeJong has to compete for a bench spot against younger guys like Oswaldo Cabrera, Jorbit Vivas, and Braden Shewmake.

Amed Rosario and backup catcher J.C. Escarra already have projected roles. There could be more roster moves, too—maybe a Cody Bellinger return, or Anthony Volpe coming back from rehab. So, DeJong’s path isn’t exactly clear, but he’s got a shot if things break his way.

Best-Case Scenario for DeJong

For DeJong, the formula’s pretty straightforward:

Depth always matters in a long season. If DeJong flashes even a bit of his old self, the Yankees might suddenly have a steady, battle-tested backup right when they need one.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Yankees Sign Paul DeJong To Minor League Deal