The New York Yankees have secured a minor league contract with former Toronto Blue Jays infielder Paul DeJong. This agreement, announced on January 4, 2026, allows him to participate in the Yankees’ training camp this spring. MLB insider Jon Heyman reported the news, noting that the deal marks a fresh start for DeJong after a tumultuous stint in Toronto.
DeJong’s Challenging Tenure with the Blue Jays
DeJong was acquired by the Blue Jays during the 2023 MLB trade deadline as a temporary solution when star shortstop Bo Bichette was sidelined with a knee injury. Toronto traded pitching prospect Matt Svanson to the St. Louis Cardinals for DeJong, who had consistently posted impressive numbers, averaging over 25 home runs and 70 RBIs per season.
However, DeJong’s performance with the Blue Jays was dismal. In 13 games, he recorded just three hits with a .068 batting average, one run, one RBI, and an alarming 18 strikeouts over 44 at-bats. This marked one of the worst offensive performances for a player in Blue Jays history. The situation worsened when Svanson emerged as a valuable bullpen asset for the Cardinals, making the trade seem like a significant misstep for Toronto.
A Quick Exit from Toronto
Realizing the potential impact of DeJong’s struggles, the Blue Jays released him just two weeks after the acquisition. This decision allowed them to reintegrate Bichette sooner than expected, leading Toronto to reach the postseason for the second year in a row.
DeJong’s Journey Since Toronto
After parting ways with the Blue Jays, DeJong’s MLB journey continued with stints at various teams, including the San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, and Washington Nationals. He experienced a rebound in the 2024 season, hitting 24 home runs and driving in 56 runs over 139 games. In contrast, the 2025 season was marred by a facial injury caused by a pitch from Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller, limiting his appearances to 57 games and resulting in a .228 batting average with 18 runs, six home runs, and 23 RBIs.
Hope for a Fresh Start with the Yankees
The Yankees are optimistic that DeJong can regain his previous form. His versatility to play all infield positions will serve as a valuable asset for New York. The organization is hopeful that he will not replicate the struggles he experienced during his time with the Blue Jays.
