Paul DeJong has become one of the most intriguing utility bats in Major League Baseball (MLB) thanks to his power potential, defensive versatility, and roller-coaster career trajectory. From early success with the St. Louis Cardinals to recent team changes and an injury-framed 2025 season, DeJong’s journey is a study in elite tools and the challenges of consistency.
Career Contracts & Recent Deals
Paul DeJong’s MLB contract history illustrates both early faith from teams and later career transitions:
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DeJong signed a major six-year, $26 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018 that could be worth up to $51.5 million with options — then the largest deal for a player with less than one full year of service time.
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In 2024, he inked a one-year, $1.75 million deal with the Chicago White Sox, including incentives.
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In 2025, the Washington Nationals signed him to a one-year, $1 million contract with up to $600,000 in bonuses based on plate appearances.
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January 2026 saw DeJong agree to a minor league contract with the New York Yankees and an invite to spring training, potentially earning MLB salary if he makes the roster.
While early long-term security came with the Cardinals deal, later contracts reflect his role as a veteran depth piece and bounce-back candidate.
MLB Savant & Statcast Insights
DeJong’s profile on Baseball Savant highlights his power and contact quality over the years:
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His career barrel-per-plate-appearance rates and solid contact metrics affirm his ability to drive the baseball, especially in years with healthy playing time.
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Detailed Savant data shows fluctuating contact profiles each season — reflecting his swing adaptations, power focus, and strikeout tendencies that often sit above league average.
These advanced metrics provide context beyond traditional hitting stats, showing why teams value DeJong’s long-ball potential even as his batting average dips in some seasons.
FanGraphs Perspective & Advanced Metrics
Analytical sites like FanGraphs often spotlight DeJong’s overall value:
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Over his career, DeJong has accumulated notable defensive value thanks to advanced defensive runs saved and range metrics, particularly in his earlier seasons.
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Fangraphs WAR reflects both his offensive volatility and defensive contributions, showing how his value can swing depending on health and playing time.
While not elite by WAR standards in recent years, his defense and occasional power spikes make him a valuable roster piece in the right role.
Traditional & Recent Stats
Across nine MLB seasons through 2025:
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Career batting average: Around .229
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Home runs: ~146
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Runs batted in (RBIs): ~423
These numbers include stints with multiple MLB teams, reflecting a career of both peaks — like his 30-HR All-Star 2019 season — and troughs during transition years.
2025 specifically showcased limited production due to injury interruptions, finishing with a lower batting line (.228 AVG, .642 OPS) after returning from a facial fracture.
Net Worth & Earnings
Estimating athlete net worth can vary by source, but most place DeJong’s net worth in the low millions after accounting for MLB salaries and bonuses through the 2025 season.
Over the years, his career earnings from multiple contracts — including guaranteed money and performance bonuses — contribute significantly to his financial profile as a professional athlete.
Injury History & Impact
Injuries have shaped DeJong’s recent career arc:
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In April 2025, he suffered a facial fracture after being hit by a 93-mph fastball, leading to time on the injured list and a subsequent rehab assignment before returning mid-season.
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The rehabilitation process likely affected his timing and production that year, making his late-season return and subsequent signing with the Yankees a key story heading into 2026.
Despite the setback, DeJong’s willingness to adapt (e.g., playing multiple infield positions) keeps him in contention for MLB roles.
Conclusion
Paul DeJong embodies the modern baseball journeyman: a player with undeniable power, strong defensive chops, and a statistical profile that has captured the attention of analytics sites like Baseball Savant and FanGraphs. While injuries and performance inconsistencies have affected his recent trajectory, his experience, versatility, and bounce-back potential make him a fascinating player to watch in the 2026 season with the New York Yankees.
