The Yankees continue to tweak their roster ahead of the new season and have opted for a familiar formula: experience, low risk and defensive versatility.
The New York franchise has agreed to a minor league deal with Paul DeJong, a former All-Star and veteran infielder, who will receive an invitation to spring training camp with the goal of competing for a spot on the big league team.
Who is Paul DeJong, the veteran who joins the Yankees?
At 32 years of age, Paul DeJong brings a profile that the Yankees value especially at this stage: knowledge of the game and the ability to adapt to different positions. The right-handed hitter enjoyed the best years of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals between 2017 and 2023, during which time he established himself as one of the most reliable shortstops in the National League.
Although in recent seasons he has changed teams more frequently, DeJong remains an interesting piece. In 2024, he hit 24 home runs in 139 games, proving that he can still offer occasional power, an attribute that is always attractive in the Bronx. In 2025, with the Washington Nationals, he posted a .642 OPS in 57 games, modest numbers but within the context of a secondary role.
Paul DeJong brings versatility to the Yankees
While his natural position is shortstop, DeJong has recently gained experience at third base, second base and even first base, making him a valuable wildcard. This flexibility is especially relevant for the Yankees at the start of the season.
A backup while Anthony Volpe recovers
During the first month of the campaign, Jose Caballero is projected to take several starts at shortstop while Anthony Volpe completes his recovery from surgery on his left shoulder. In that scenario, DeJong arrives as a backup option for the bench, able to cover multiple defensive needs without compromising the structure of the roster.
The arrival of DeJong adds to other moves designed to shore up the infield. The Yankees also re-signed Amed Rosario, who signed for $2.5 million and brings speed, contact and a reliable right-handed bat. In addition, Oswaldo Cabrera is expected to be 100 percent after overcoming an ankle fracture suffered last May.
The deal with DeJong represents a low-cost, low-risk gamble, while the front office remains focused on its big offseason goal: retaining Cody Bellinger. So far, the Yankees have added few new faces to their 40-man roster, with reliever Cade Winquest, selected in the Rule 5 Draft, the exception. This veteran gamble seems to fit perfectly with the team’s immediate needs.
Read the full article here
