TAMPA, Fla. — Paul DeJong is working hard this spring to revive his Paul DeJong Yankees career as he competes for a bench spot on the New York roster. The veteran infielder brings extensive major league experience from 6½ seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he served predominantly as their starting shortstop and earned an All-Star nod in 2019.
DeJong’s past accomplishments include hitting 25 home runs in his rookie season of 2017 over 108 games and achieving career highs of 30 home runs and 78 RBIs during his standout 2019 campaign. He also posted solid power numbers with 19 homers in both 2019 and 2021, demonstrating his ability to contribute offensively despite struggles with batting average and strikeouts early in his career.
Recent Struggles and a Grueling Spring Battle
Since his prime years, DeJong’s career has been marked by frequent moves, spending time with six teams including the Blue Jays, Giants, White Sox, Royals, and Nationals from 2023 through 2025. Last season proved challenging, as he batted only .228 with six home runs in 57 games while also missing more than two months due to a broken nose and orbital fracture caused by a fastball from Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller.
Now 32, DeJong faces stiff competition this spring against players such as Oswaldo Cabrera, Max Schuemann, Jasson Dominguez, Randal Grichuk, and J.C. Escarra, all vying for two available bench positions with the Yankees.
Personal Inspirations Rooted in Childhood and Role Models
An Orlando native who moved to Illinois at the age of 11, DeJong shared insights into the influences shaping his perspective and dedication during an NJ.com spring training favorites feature. His youthful memories, including a vivid recollection of hitting a Little League home run into a puddle with his grandpa retrieving the ball, underscore the deep connection he maintains with his early baseball experiences.
DeJong’s inspirations stretch beyond sports, highlighting iconic figures across history and culture. He named Leonardo da Vinci, Nikola Tesla, and the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras as three people he would invite to dinner, showing an appreciation for creativity, innovation, and wisdom that guides him both on and off the field.
Favorite Things Reflecting a Balanced Life Beyond Baseball
His favorite era-spanning tastes reveal a blend of classic and modern influences: from teenage crush Scarlett Johansson to favorite actor Ryan Gosling and actress Salma Hayek; music interests range from Hank Williams Jr. to Metallica. DeJong’s love for basketball revealed a role as a point and shooting guard, peaking in middle school before an injury curtailed his play in high school.
He enjoys traveling and cites Chicago as his favorite city on the road and Wrigley Field as his favorite ballpark, reflecting his Midwestern roots and connection to the sport’s history. His affection for the Green Bay Packers further ties him to the Midwest sports scene. Outside sports, his hobbies include welding, hunting, and fishing, painting a picture of a well-rounded individual beyond his athletic pursuits.
Looking Ahead: The Stakes of DeJong’s Bid for a Roster Spot
As spring training continues, Paul DeJong’s efforts to solidify his place on the Yankees bench carry significant weight for his career trajectory. The blend of his notable achievements, personal motivations, and resilience through adversity frames his current opportunity as more than a comeback attempt — it is a chance to add new chapters to his professional journey.
If DeJong can carve out a role among the Yankees’ bench options, his veteran presence and power potential could prove valuable depth for manager Aaron Boone’s team. The outcome of this competitive spring will reveal whether DeJong can transform his rich history and visionary inspirations into renewed success at the major league level.
