The New York Yankees are aiming to strengthen their infield this offseason after parting ways with Anthony Rizzo. Following the decision to not pick up Rizzo’s option, the Yankees signed former National League MVP Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year contract to anchor first base in 2025. However, the team still faces a gap in the infield with second baseman Gleyber Torres departing for the Detroit Tigers via free agency. While prospect Caleb Durbin was considered a potential replacement, he was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for elite closer Devin Williams.
With free agency as a potential avenue, the Yankees have other in-house options. They could shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. from third base to second and move Oswaldo Cabrera to third base, or they might hope for a healthy return from DJ LeMahieu, who can play both second and third. However, if the Yankees decide to look outside the organization for reinforcements, MLB insider Jon Heyman reports that they are “considering” free-agent infielder Paul DeJong, a former All-Star who could help fill the void.
- Paul DeJong
DeJong was once viewed as a key future piece for the St. Louis Cardinals, earning an All-Star selection in 2019 after hitting 30 home runs and posting a 5.3 WAR. However, his career took a downturn in the years that followed. Between 2020 and 2023, his performance dropped significantly, posting OPS+ numbers of 87, 85, 52, and 66. After being traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2023, DeJong was released following just 13 games. He was then picked up by the San Francisco Giants, only to be let go in September after 18 games.
In 2024, DeJong found a resurgence, hitting 24 home runs while playing 139 games for the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals, although his slash line of .227/.276/.427 and a 97 OPS+ indicated that he still had room to improve. The Yankees could potentially offer DeJong a short-term, one-year deal to play third base, allowing them to shift Chisholm to second. Additionally, the Yankees have been connected to other potential infield upgrades, including Jorge Polanco and Brendan Rodgers.
Leave a Reply