The Yankees signed veteran infielder Paul DeJong to a minor league deal with a spring training invite, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
It’s another depth move for an organization that’s taken a measured approach this winter while other clubs make splashes.
“Paul DeJong agrees to deal with Yankees. Minors deal, MLB camp invite.”
The 32-year-old DeJong will compete for a roster spot in camp after bouncing around the league in recent seasons. He’s the type of veteran presence teams typically add for organizational depth rather than immediate impact.
DeJong made his mark with the Cardinals, earning All-Star recognition in 2019 when he posted 5.2 bWAR with a .762 OPS. That’s been the high-water mark of his nine-year career.
The numbers tell a consistent story. DeJong’s a .229 career hitter with a .710 OPS across 385 games since 2022. He’s managed just a 77 OPS+ in that span while playing for multiple organizations.
What makes this signing notable isn’t DeJong himself – it’s what it represents. While division rivals make moves like the Blue Jays’ signing of Kazuma Okamoto, the Yankees continue adding depth pieces rather than impact players.
The Bigger Picture
The Yankees haven’t exactly been dormant this winter, but they haven’t been their usual aggressive selves either. Cody Bellinger remains unsigned, and most of the top-tier free agents have found homes without serious Yankees pursuit.
That’s a departure from what we typically see from this organization.
DeJong’s signing fits the pattern – it’s a low-risk move that addresses organizational depth without moving the needle significantly. For a team that usually operates at the top of the market, these modest additions stand out.
The veteran infielder gives them another option in camp, but he’s not solving any major roster needs. His recent track record suggests he’s more likely to start the season in Triple-A than fighting for regular playing time in the Bronx.
All things considered, this feels like the Yankees are playing a different game this winter. Whether that’s by design or circumstance remains to be seen, but moves like this one reinforce the sense that they’re not planning any major splashes.
There’s still time for that to change, of course. But so far, the evidence points toward a more conservative approach than Yankees fans might expect.
