Former St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong has reportedly found a new home with the Washington Nationals. The deal between DeJong is for 1-year deal worth $1 million. He joins the Nationals after splitting the 2024 campaign between the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Royals.
Ex-Cardinals All-Star Signs With The Nationals
Veteran infielder Paul DeJong, who hit 24 HRs last year, agrees to 1 year, $1 million contract with the Washington Nationals
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 16, 2025
An All-Star in 2019, Paul DeJong was drafted by the Cardinals in 2015, quickly rising through the minors and making an immediate impact in the majors. He finished second in Rookie of the Year voting in 2017 after batting .285/.325/.532 with 25 homers. That was the most among National League shortstops that year. A key piece of the Cardinals lineup during his early career, DeJong set multiple major league and franchise records during his seven-year tenure. He has also become one of the best defensive shortstops in the majors, earning a Gold Glove nomination in 2019.
DeJong struggled at the plate following a rib injury in what would be his final season with the Cardinals. The 32-year-old was acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2023 but was released after going 3-for-44 in 13 games. He was picked up by the San Francisco Giants shortly after and finished the 2023 season batting .207/.258/.355. DeJong signed with the White Sox for 2024 and hit .228/.275/.430 with 18 homers – his most since 2021. Chicago traded him to Kansas City, where he hit six more homers, marking his third career 20 home run season.
What DeJong Brings To The Nationals
While his production dipped in recent years as he battled injuries, he’s shown flashes of the form that made him an All-Star. Primarily a shortstop, he has drawn starts at second and third base and is capable of playing across the infield. DeJong became known for his defensive reliability and his right-handed offensive power, though his consistency has waned in recent seasons.
His signing is low-risk for Washington with high-reward potential if the 31-year-old can regain his former offensive rhythm. Whether he assumes a starting role or provides insurance off the bench, DeJong can prove he can still contribute at the major league level.
Main Photo Credits: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
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