Yankees' former All Star could leave contract for free agency, but has different plans
· Yahoo Sports
Yankees' former All Star could leave contract for free agency, but has different plans originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Yankees signed a former All Star this offseason in free agency and it flew almost entirely under the radar.
Visit asg-reflektory.pl for more information.
Despite that, Paul DeJong has reached a key part of his contract already.
Given his veteran status and the deal he signed, DeJong could actually opt out of his deal Thursday and return to free agency.
He doesn't plan to do that, though, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman.
"Source: Paul DeJong does not plan to opt out of his minor league deal with the Yankees tomorrow (Thursday) as is his right as XX(b) free agent," Sherman wrote on X on Wednesday. "His plan is to try to make the team and, if not, at least begin the season at AAA."
MORE: Cubs' Daniel Palencia completes improbable rise for Venezuela
DeJong was never really expected to make the Opening Day roster. He's just trying to keep his career alive.
The 32-year old infielder hasn't been a key contributor for a while.
His All-Star season was all the way back in 2019 for the St. Louis Cardinals, when he hit 31 doubles and 30 home runs.
His overall game has fallen off since then.
Despite that, DeJong did hit a combined 24 home runs in the 2024 season between the White Sox and Royals.
He struggled in 2025 with the Nationals, and now he's trying to stick around however he can.
The Yankees are missing shortstop Anthony Volpe to start the season with injury. Jose Caballero will start in his place.
DeJong might feel like he isn't that far off a starting gig in the early going, at least. He could always opt out later.
For now, he's staying put.