The New York Yankees, it seems, are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for infield stability! With a key player sidelined, they're taking a calculated gamble on a seasoned veteran to shore up their options. But is this the right move, or just another band-aid on a bigger problem?
Jon Heyman of The Post reported that the Yankees have inked former All-Star Paul DeJong to a minor league contract. This deal includes an invitation to major league spring training, giving DeJong a chance to prove he still has what it takes.
DeJong, now 32, enjoyed his most productive years with the St. Louis Cardinals from 2017 to 2023. However, the recent seasons have seen him move around, including a stint with the Washington Nationals in 2025 where he posted a .642 OPS over 57 games. While that stat isn't exactly eye-popping, the Yankees are clearly hoping he can recapture some of his earlier form.
A right-handed hitter, DeJong demonstrated power in 2024, launching 24 home runs in 139 games. Primarily a shortstop, he brings positional versatility, having logged time at third base, second base, and even first base in the past two years. This adaptability could be invaluable for the Yankees.
Having DeJong in spring training provides the Yankees with another flexible player who can potentially compete for a spot on the bench. The expectation is that José Caballero will see significant playing time at shortstop during the first month or so of the season, as Anthony Volpe recovers from shoulder surgery. Think of DeJong as an insurance policy – a 'break-in-case-of-emergency' kind of player.
And this is the part most people miss... This isn't the only move the Yankees have made to address their infield depth. They've also brought back Amed Rosario on a $2.5 million contract. Rosario offers similar infield flexibility and another right-handed bat. Plus, utility player Oswaldo Cabrera is expected to be fully recovered from the ankle fracture he sustained last May, adding yet another option. It seems the Yankees are really prioritizing versatility!
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that these signings are simply stopgap measures, and that the Yankees should be focusing on acquiring a more impactful, long-term solution. Are they truly addressing the root of the problem, or just patching up the holes with temporary fixes?
The low-risk signing of DeJong comes as the Yankees continue to pursue their primary offseason target: re-signing Cody Bellinger. Bellinger would undoubtedly be a major addition to the lineup, but the negotiations have been protracted.
Interestingly, aside from Rule 5 draft pick Cade Winquest, a reliever, the Yankees have yet to add a player to their 40-man roster who wasn't already part of the organization last year. Does this indicate a reluctance to spend big, or a belief in the existing talent within the system?
Ultimately, the success of the DeJong signing – and the other infield moves – will depend on his performance in spring training and whether he can contribute effectively at the major league level. Will he be a valuable asset, or just another name on the roster? What do you think? Are the Yankees making the right moves to bolster their infield, or are they missing a key piece of the puzzle? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
