The Washington Nationals made a low-risk, high-upside move on Sunday, inking former All-Star shortstop Paul DeJong to a one-year, $1 million contract with $600,000 in performance bonuses. DeJong, who turned 30 last August, is looking for a fresh start after struggling mightily over the past two seasons.
DeJong’s Rapid Rise and Fall
A fourth-round draft pick by the Cardinals in 2015, DeJong burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2017, slugging 25 homers in just 108 games. He followed that up with a pair of 30-homer campaigns in 2018 and 2019, earning his first and only All-Star nod in the latter season.
However, the wheels began to fall off for DeJong in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. His batting average plummeted to a career-worst .197, and his on-base percentage dipped below .300 for the first time. While he rebounded slightly in 2021, hitting .239 with 19 homers in 130 games, it was clear that DeJong had lost his grip on the Cardinals’ starting shortstop job.
A Whirlwind 2024 Season
Last season was a tumultuous one for the veteran infielder. He began the year with the Cardinals but was demoted to Triple-A in late May after hitting just .167 in his first 35 games. DeJong was released by St. Louis in mid-June and signed with the Blue Jays a few days later.
After a brief stint with Toronto’s Triple-A affiliate, DeJong was traded to the Giants on July 10. He appeared in just 11 games with San Francisco before being designated for assignment and subsequently claimed off waivers by the White Sox.
DeJong’s tenure on the South Side lasted less than three weeks, as he was traded to the Royals at the July 30 deadline. He finished the season with Kansas City, hitting a respectable .241 with 9 homers in 52 games.
A Low-Risk Gamble for the Nationals
For the rebuilding Nationals, signing DeJong is a classic low-risk, high-reward move. If he can rediscover even a semblance of his All-Star form, the Nats will have found a bargain-bin gem to slot into the middle of their infield. And if DeJong continues to struggle, they can simply cut bait without any significant financial ramifications.
“We’re excited to add a player of Paul’s caliber to our organization,” Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said in a statement. “He’s a proven big-league hitter with pop who can play multiple infield positions. We believe there’s still plenty of upside there, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in a Nats uniform.”
At his best, DeJong was a slick-fielding shortstop with legitimate 30-homer power — a rare and valuable combination in today’s game. From 2017-19, he ranked seventh among all MLB shortstops in home runs (87) and 12th in defensive runs saved (39).
- Versatile defender who can play shortstop, second base, and third base
- Legitimate right-handed power with three 20+ homer seasons on his resume
- High-character veteran presence in a young Nationals clubhouse
Of course, the Nationals aren’t paying DeJong for his past accomplishments. They’re betting on his potential to bounce back in a new environment with reduced expectations. If he can provide steady defense and chip in 15-20 homers while mentoring the Nats’ young infielders, the signing will be well worth the modest investment.
A Compelling Comeback Story
For DeJong, signing with the Nationals represents a golden opportunity to resurrect his once-promising career. He’ll have every chance to win the starting shortstop job in spring training, and if he can stay healthy and productive, he could parlay a strong 2025 season into a more lucrative multi-year deal next winter.
At age 30, DeJong is still young enough to have several productive seasons ahead of him if he can regain his stroke at the plate. A move to a more hitter-friendly ballpark in Washington could be just what the doctor ordered for a player who’s struggled to recapture his early-career success.
“I’m really excited for this fresh start,” DeJong told reporters after signing his contract. “I know I haven’t been at my best these last few years, but I’ve been working hard to make some adjustments and get back to being the player I know I can be. I’m grateful to the Nationals for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.”
If DeJong can indeed find his old form in D.C., it would be a feel-good comeback story for a player who’s faced his fair share of adversity in recent years. And for the Nationals, it would be a savvy bit of bargain shopping that could pay big dividends as they look to accelerate their rebuild in 2025 and beyond.
