### Yankees Bolster Infield Depth with Signing of Veteran Paul DeJong The New York Yankees have made a strategic move to enhance their infield depth by signing veteran infielder Paul DeJong to a minor league contract. This decision comes as the Yankees aim to solidify their roster ahead of the upcoming season, particularly with starting shortstop Anthony Volpe expected to miss at least the first month due to injury. DeJong, a former All-Star, brings experience and versatility to the team, having played multiple infield positions throughout his career. The deal includes an invitation to spring training and a potential salary of $1 million if he makes the 40-man roster, reflecting the Yankees' cautious yet proactive approach in free agency this offseason [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/yankees-inf-paul-dejong-agree-151957498.html, https://www.livemint.com/sports/paul-dejong-contract-new-york-yankees-sign-veteran-shortstop-to-minor-league-deal-11767546248351.html]. ### Breakdown of the Yankees' Signing of Paul DeJong 1. **Contract Details** - DeJong signed a minor league deal with the Yankees, which includes an invitation to major league spring training. - If he is added to the 40-man roster, he will earn a salary of $1 million [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/yankees-sign-veteran-infielder-paul-152930098.html, https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/yankees_sign_paul_dejong_to_minor_league_deal/s1_13237_43284532]. 2. **Player Background** - Paul DeJong, 32, was a fourth-round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2015 and made his MLB debut in 2017. - He had a breakout season in 2017, hitting 25 home runs and finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/yankees-sign-veteran-infielder-paul-152930098.html, https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/report_yankees_sign_paul_dejong_to_minor_league_deal/s1_17200_43285527]. 3. **Recent Performance** - DeJong's performance has declined in recent years, with a batting average of .200 over the last three seasons, including a .228 average in 57 games with the Washington Nationals last season [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/yankees_sign_veteran_infielder_paul_dejong_to_minor_league_deal/s1_13237_43284532, https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/paul-dejong-yankees-r9lvdi9o]. 4. **Strategic Importance** - The Yankees are looking to fill the gap left by Volpe's injury, and DeJong's signing provides insurance as they also evaluate Jose Caballero, who was acquired last season [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/yankees-inf-paul-dejong-agree-151957498.html, https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/yankees_sign_paul_dejong_to_minor_league_deal/s1_13237_43284532]. ### Summary of the Yankees' Acquisition of Paul DeJong In summary, the New York Yankees have signed Paul DeJong to a minor league contract to enhance their infield depth as they prepare for the upcoming season. This move is particularly significant given the injury to starting shortstop Anthony Volpe, which leaves a gap in the lineup. 1. **Contract and Financials** - Minor league deal with a $1 million salary if added to the roster. 2. **Player Profile** - Former All-Star with a notable career start but recent performance decline. 3. **Team Strategy** - Aimed at providing depth and insurance for the infield, particularly with Volpe's absence. 4. **Future Outlook** - DeJong's performance in spring training will be crucial for his chances to make the team, as the Yankees continue to evaluate their roster options [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/yankees_sign_veteran_infielder_paul_dejong_to_minor_league_deal/s1_13237_43284532, https://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/paul-dejong-yankees-r9lvdi9o].