Can lightning strike twice? That's the question on everyone's mind as the New York Yankees have signed Paul DeJong to a minor league deal. This move could be a game-changer for DeJong, who is also invited to the big league Spring Training next month.
DeJong, now 32 years old, was initially drafted by the Cardinals in the fourth round back in 2015. He quickly climbed the ranks, making his MLB debut in 2017. He immediately made an impact, smashing 25 home runs in just 108 games and finishing second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting. The Cardinals were so impressed that they signed him to a long-term, six-year extension that included options for 2024 and 2025.
But here's where it gets controversial... Unfortunately for the Cardinals, DeJong's performance began to decline. After a few years of being a league-average hitter, his offensive numbers dropped. From 2020 to 2022, he hit just .196/.280/.351. In 2023, he bounced back to a league-average level in 81 games for the Cardinals. This led to a trade to the Blue Jays just before the trade deadline. However, DeJong struggled, hitting a mere .129/.128/.183 over the final two months of the season. This significantly impacted his value, leading him to sign with the White Sox for a guaranteed $1.75MM.
DeJong had a decent season for Chicago (and Kansas City) in 2024, with 24 home runs and a 96 wRC+ across 139 games, playing both third base and shortstop.
But his free agency prospects didn't improve. He signed with the Nationals for a guaranteed $1MM, but his season was disrupted by a facial injury, causing him to miss ten weeks. He returned in July but didn't perform well, ending 2025 with a 76 wRC+ in 208 plate appearances.
Now, with the Yankees, DeJong will compete for a spot on a potentially crowded bench. Amed Rosario and backup catcher J.C. Escarra are likely to fill two spots. DeJong will be competing with Oswaldo Cabrera, Jorbit Vivas, and Braden Shewmake for the remaining spots. The bench situation could become even tighter if the team re-signs Cody Bellinger or adds another outfielder, potentially pushing Jasson Dominguez to the bench. Similarly, the return of Anthony Volpe from his shoulder rehab will likely shift Jose Caballero into a bench role.
Do you think DeJong has what it takes to make the Yankees' roster? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
