Infielder Paul DeJong and New York Yankees agree to minor league contract, AP source says

By: Ronald Blum, The Associated Press Posted: 2:20 PM CST Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — Infielder Paul DeJong and the New York Yankees have agreed to a minor league contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press, a deal that includes a $1 million salary if he's added to the 40-man roster.

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The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because the agreement, first reported by the New York Post, had not been announced.

If added to the 40-man roster, DeJong could earn up to $400,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances.

FILE - Washington Nationals third baseman Paul DeJong (14) in action during a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

An All-Star in 2019, the 32-year-old DeJong hit .228 with six homers and 23 RBIs in 57 games last year with Washington. He broke his nose on April 15 when hit by a 92.7 mph fastball from Pittsburgh’s Mitch Keller, had surgery April 28 and did not play for the Nationals again until July 2.

DeJong has a .229 average with 146 homers and 423 RBIs in nine major league seasons with St. Louis (2017-23), Toronto (2023), San Francisco (2023), the Chicago White Sox (2024), Kansas City (2024) and the Nationals.