Yankees Strengthen Roster by Signing Veteran Infielder DeJong to Minor League Deal with Spring Training Invite

According to MLB reporter Mark Feinsand, the New York Yankees have made their first signing of the new year, securing veteran infielder Paul DeJong on a minor league contract that includes an invitation to Major League spring training. If DeJong makes the Major League roster, his salary will be $1 million. The Yankees organization has yet to officially announce the deal.

For the Yankees, this offseason has been relatively quiet so far, with their most significant move being the retention of players for the 2025 roster — notably outfielder Trent Grisham, who accepted a qualifying offer worth $22.025 million in November.

However, the Yankees plan to take further steps. The team has publicly expressed a strong desire to re-sign first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger, and reports indicate they made a formal offer to him in late December.

Public reports show that the pursuit of free agent infielder Bo Bichette by the Yankees has been limited, with him seen as an alternative option should Bellinger sign elsewhere.

The Yankees are aware their starting rotation may face injuries early in the season, and accordingly, they have reportedly shown trade interest in right-handers Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins and Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers.

With shortstop Anthony Volpe recovering from left shoulder surgery and not expected to return to the Major League field until May at the earliest, DeJong’s addition provides an experienced infield option.

Last season, while playing for the Washington Nationals, DeJong covered first, second, third base, and shortstop. He suffered a fractured nasal bone after being hit by a fastball from Mitch Keller in April, limiting him to 57 games with a batting average of .228 and an OPS of .642.

DeJong’s skill set somewhat overlaps with utility player Amed Rosario, whom the Yankees previously re-signed. The Yankees’ infield also includes José Caballero, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Zack Short — with Short signing a minor league deal with the Yankees in December.