The New York Yankees are actively working on strengthening their infield as the offseason comes to play. After opting not to exercise Anthony Rizzo’s option, the team secured former National League MVP Paul Goldschmidt on a one-year deal to handle first base duties in 2025.
Even with this addition, a vacancy remains following the departure of second baseman Gleyber Torres, who signed with the Detroit Tigers in free agency. The Yankees had considered promoting prospect Caleb Durbin to take over Torres’ role, but he was traded as part of the deal that brought elite closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers.
Exploring Infield Options
Looking beyond free agency, the Yankees have several potential strategies to fill the infield gap. They could move Jazz Chisholm Jr. from third base to second, allowing Oswaldo Cabrera to handle third.
Another option is counting on DJ LeMahieu’s return to full health, as he’s capable of filling either the second or third base position. Reports suggest that the Yankees are considering adding a former All-Star to their roster to help address this need.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees are exploring the possibility of signing free-agent infielder Paul DeJong, who garnered national attention by finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2017 and earning an All-Star spot in 2019 with the St. Louis Cardinals.
DeJong’s Potential Impact
Once a key part of the Cardinals’ future, DeJong enjoyed a stellar 2019 season, blasting 30 home runs and posting a 5.3 WAR. However, his performance declined sharply over the next few seasons, with OPS+ figures of 87, 85, 52, and 66 between 2020 and 2023.
The Cardinals traded him to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2023, but after just 13 games, he was released. He was subsequently picked up by the San Francisco Giants, only to be released again after 18 games.
A revival in 2024 saw DeJong hit 24 home runs in 139 games split between the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals, though his .227/.276/.427 slash line and 97 OPS+ were less impressive.
DeJong could be a potential short-term solution for the Yankees, who may offer him a one-year contract to play third base and move Chisholm to second. Additionally, the team is reportedly eyeing Jorge Polanco and Brendan Rodgers as potential targets.
