NEW YORK, Jan 4, 2026 – The New York Yankees bolstered their infield depth Sunday, agreeing to a minor league contract with veteran infielder Paul DeJong, a deal that includes an invitation to spring training. This move provides the Yankees with additional flexibility as they navigate potential injuries and position battles heading into the 2026 season.
DeJong Seeking Return to Form in the Bronx
The 32-year-old DeJong will have the opportunity to earn $1 million if he makes the Yankees’ major league roster.
- Paul DeJong signed a minor league contract with the Yankees on Sunday.
- The deal includes an invitation to spring training and a potential $1 million salary.
- DeJong is a nine-year veteran who previously excelled with the St. Louis Cardinals.
- The Yankees have also recently re-signed Amed Rosario to add to their infield options.
DeJong, a nine-year major league veteran, first gained prominence as the St. Louis Cardinals’ everyday shortstop in 2017, finishing second in National League Rookie of the Year voting. He continued his success in 2019, earning an All-Star selection and hitting 30 home runs with a bWAR of 5.2, but has struggled to consistently replicate that level of production since.
Last season, DeJong appeared in 57 games for the Washington Nationals, batting .228 with six home runs and a .642 OPS. He demonstrated versatility defensively, starting 32 games at third base, 11 at second base, seven at shortstop, and one at first base.
The Yankees’ acquisition of DeJong follows their recent re-signing of Amed Rosario, another right-handed-hitting utility player, to a one-year, $2.5 million major league deal. Rosario is expected to platoon with left-handed-hitting Ryan McMahon at third base.
The Yankees anticipate being without shortstop Anthony Volpe at the beginning of the season, as he recovers from shoulder surgery he underwent in October. Additional infield options for the Yankees include Jose Caballero and Oswaldo Cabrera, who suffered a season-ending knee injury last May.
News of the agreement between the Yankees and DeJong was first reported by The New York Post.
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