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Paul DeJong

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Paul DeJong
DeJong with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021
Free agent
Shortstop / Third baseman
Born: (1993-08-02) August 2, 1993 (age 31)
Orlando, Florida, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
May 28, 2017, for the St. Louis Cardinals
MLB statistics
(through 2024 season)
Batting average.229
Home runs140
Runs batted in400
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Paul Sterling DeJong (də-YUNG; born August 2, 1993) is an American professional baseball shortstop and third baseman who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals.

A native of Orlando, Florida, DeJong played college baseball at Illinois State University (ISU). He was selected by the Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2015 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 2017 with the Cardinals, and led National League (NL) shortstops in home runs that season with 25. In 2019, he was an All Star, and led NL shortstops in fielding percentage, assists, putouts, and double plays.

Early life

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DeJong was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, before moving to Antioch, Illinois, at the age of 11.[1] His parents are Keith and Andrea DeJong, and he has a brother, Matthew, and a sister, Emma.[2] He grew up an Atlanta Braves fan.[3]

DeJong graduated from Antioch Community High School in 2011.[4] As a senior, he batted .430 with four home runs and 30 runs batted in (RBIs), leading his team to a 21–10 record.[5] He was named All-area, All-Lake County First-Team, and All-North Suburban Conference First-Team.[2]

College

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He attended Illinois State University where he majored in biomedicine/pre-med, and played college baseball for the Redbirds.[2] He was a preferred walk on.[6] As a freshman in 2013, he batted .260/.420(9th in the Missouri Valley Conference)/.320 in 100 at bats with no home runs.[7] He played 30 games at second base, 8 games at catcher, and two games at shortstop.[7]

DeJong said that he increased weight training between his freshman and sophomore years, gained about 20 pounds (9.1 kg) of muscle, increasing his strength and speed. In 2014, he played 34 games at second base, 19 games at third base, six at catcher, and two at shortstop, batting .349(3rd in the conference)/.430(5th)/.596(3rd) in 218 at bats with 44 runs (6th), 21 doubles (leading the conference), three triples (4th), nine home runs (5th), and 48 runs batted in (RBIs) (4th).[8] He was an All-MVC First-Team, and a unanimous MVC Scholar-Athlete First-Team selection.[2] After the 2014 season, the Pittsburgh Pirates chose DeJong in the 38th round of the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft as a catcher.[9] He did not sign with the Pirates and returned to Illinois State.[10][11]

In 2015, he was named a Louisville Slugger Preseason All-American by Collegiate Baseball, and a Preseason All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.[2] DeJong batted .333(9th)/.427/.605(2nd) in 210 at bats while leading the Redbirds in hits (70), runs scored (47; 10th in the conference), doubles (15; 9th), home runs (14; leading the conference), and RBIs (48; 4th).[12] He played 27 games at second base, 20 at third base, 15 at catcher, four in right field, and also appeared at designated hitter.[7] He was named All-Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) first team as a utility player, a Midseason All-American by D1Baseball.com, to the American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings Midwest All-Region Team, and a 2015 Capital One Academic All-American.[2] He also earned Academic All-District honors for District 5.[4]

In 2015, DeJong graduated from ISU with a degree in biochemistry with a pre-medical emphasis. He had a 3.74 GPA, and planned to attend medical school in the event a career in professional baseball did not work out.[13] He also still had one year of college baseball eligibility remaining.

Baseball America ranked him as the 108th-best prospect for the 2015 MLB draft.[4] The St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the fourth round (131st overall).[14][15][16]

Professional career

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Minors

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DeJong signed with the Cardinals for $200,000, and made his professional debut with the Johnson City Cardinals of the Rookie-level Appalachian League. After ten games, he was promoted to the Peoria Chiefs of the Single–A Midwest League.[17] In 66 games between the two teams, he batted .316/.394/.516 in 256 at bats with 42 runs, nine home runs, and 41 RBIs.[18]

In 2016, he played for the Springfield Cardinals of the Double–A Texas League, and was selected as a Texas League Mid-Season All-Star.[19] He finished the 2016 season batting .260/.324/.460 in 496 at bats with 62 runs (7th in the league), 29 doubles (5th), 22 home runs (5th), 10 hit by pitch (2nd), 6 sacrifice flies (3rd), and 73 RBIs (5th) in 132 games.[20] He was named an MiLB Organization All Star.[21] After the season, the Cardinals assigned DeJong to the Glendale Desert Dogs of the Arizona Fall League (AFL), with whom he was named an AFL Rising Star.[22][21]

To begin the 2017 season, the Cardinals assigned DeJong to the Memphis Redbirds of the Triple–A Pacific Coast League (PCL). In 46 games, he batted .294/.339/.571 with 11 home runs and 31 RBIs before his first major league promotion. On defense, he made 37 appearances at shortstop, four at second base, and three at third base. The Cardinals promoted DeJong to the major leagues on May 28, 2017, as they moved second baseman Kolten Wong to the disabled list (DL).[23]

St. Louis Cardinals

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2017

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DeJong batting in 2017

DeJong made his major league debut on May 28, 2017, playing at Coors Field against the Colorado Rockies. Facing Greg Holland in his first at bat, DeJong hit a home run on his first swing, becoming the ninth Cardinals player to homer in his first at bat in the major leagues.[24] On July 8 against the New York Mets, he set both a Cardinals shortstop and a number eight hitter record with four extra base hits in one game, including three doubles and one home run.[25] The next day, DeJong became the first rookie in MLB history to get seven extra-base hits in a three-game series.[26]

After batting .298/.347/.638 (.985 OPS) with eight home runs and 16 RBI in the month of July, DeJong was named the National League (NL) Rookie of the Month. He was the first Cardinals player to win the award since Wong in May 2014.[27] DeJong became the starting shortstop in June after Aledmys Diaz was optioned to Memphis.[28] On August 19, DeJong hit his 20th home run, off Juan Nicasio, becoming the fourth Cardinals rookie to do so, in a 6−4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.[29]

DeJong finished his 2017 rookie campaign batting .285./325/.532 with 65 RBIs, and 25 home runs — the latter more than any other National League shortstop that year.[30] Only Albert Pujols had hit more home runs as a rookie in club history, doing so in 2001. Overall, DeJong hit 38 home runs for Memphis and St. Louis.[31] He placed second in the 2017 NL Rookie of the Year balloting behind Cody Bellinger, who won unanimously.[32] He was named to the Baseball America Major League All-Rookie Team.[21]

2018

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On March 5, 2018, DeJong agreed to a six-year contract extension with St. Louis through the 2023 season worth a guaranteed total of $26 million. The deal also includes two option years for a maximum value of $51.5 million. It is the largest-ever agreement with a player who had not yet completed at least one full year of major league service.[33][34] [35][36][37] [38]

DeJong with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017

DeJong returned in 2018 as the Cardinals' starting shortstop. His first multi-home run game came on April 1, 2018, as he hit two home runs to help lead the Cardinals to a 5–1 victory over the New York Mets.[39] He was placed on the disabled list for the first time in his career on May 18 with a fractured left hand caused from being hit in that hand the previous night that required surgery.[40][41] Over 41 games prior to the injury, he slashed .260/.351/.473 with eight home runs and 19 RBIs.[42] He was activated on July 6, and returned to the lineup that night.[43] DeJong finished his 2018 campaign batting .241 with 19 home runs and 68 RBIs in 115 games.[44]

2019

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Batting .261 with 13 home runs and 36 RBIs, DeJong was selected to represent the Cardinals at the All-Star Game in Cleveland.[45] On July 24, while playing the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, DeJong hit three home runs, becoming the first St. Louis shortstop ever to accomplish that feat.[46] On August 19, DeJong hit a home run that struck the 'M' letter of Big Mac Land at Busch Stadium, knocking the neon bulb out of the letter.

DeJong finished the 2019 regular season slashing .233/.318/.762 with 30 home runs and 78 RBIs over 159 games. On defense, he had the best fielding percentage of all major league shortstops (.989).[47] Per Baseball-Reference.com, he led all National League fielders in defensive Wins Above Replacement (WAR) with 3.3[48] and assists (435), and NL shortstops in putouts (211) and double plays turned (119).[49] Following the season, he was nominated for his first Gold Glove Award.[50]

2020

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On August 4, 2020, it was announced that DeJong had tested positive for COVID-19, and he was placed on the injured list.[51] He returned to the team on August 23 and finished the shortened season hitting .250/.322/.349 with three home runs and 25 RBIs in 45 games.[52]

2021

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DeJong returned as St. Louis' starting shortstop for the 2021 season.[53] On May 14, 2021, he was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a rib fracture.[54] He was activated on June 11.[55] After struggling at the plate and the positive play of Edmundo Sosa, DeJong eventually moved into a reserve role.[56] However, he shortly moved back into a starting role after Sosa sustained a wrist injury in early September.[57] DeJong finished the 2021 season with 356 at-bats over 113 games, slashing .197/.284/.390 with 19 home runs and 45 RBIs.[58]

2022

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Once again, DeJong returned as the Cardinals' starting shortstop for the 2022 season. On May 10, 2022, DeJong was demoted to the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds after batting .130/.209/.208 with one home run over 24 games to start the season.[59] On July 30, the Cardinals traded Sosa to the Philadelphia Phillies and DeJong was recalled from Memphis the same day and placed into the starting lineup as their shortstop.[60] He hit a two-run home run in his first game back, against the Washington Nationals.[61] On August 7, DeJong hit his 100th career home run, a three-run home run to help lead the Cardinals to a 12–9 win and sweep over the New York Yankees.[62] With the Cardinals, in 2022 he hit .157/.245/.286 with six home runs.

2023

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After starting the 2023 season on the IL, DeJong made his season debut on April 23 against the Seattle Mariners, with two singles and a home run.[63] In 279 at-bats, he hit .233/.297/.412.

Toronto Blue Jays

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On August 1, 2023, DeJong was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Matt Svanson.[64][65] In 13 games for Toronto, DeJong struggled immensely, going 3-for-44 (.068) with one RBI.[66] On August 19, DeJong was designated for assignment following Bo Bichette's activation from the injured list.[67] He was released on August 21.

San Francisco Giants

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On August 22, 2023, the San Francisco Giants signed DeJong to a major league contract.[68] DeJong made his debut for the Giants on August 23 against the Philadelphia Phillies. In his Giants debut, DeJong notched as many hits as he had during his full time in Toronto, going 3–for–5 with 4 RBI and a run. In 18 games for the Giants, he batted .184/.180/.286 with one home run and five RBI. On September 21, DeJong was released by the Giants.[69]

Chicago White Sox

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On November 28, 2023, DeJong signed a one-year contract with the Chicago White Sox for $1.75 million. Incentives can increase the contract by $250,000 when certain criteria are met.[70] In 102 games for Chicago in 2024, DeJong batted .228/.275/.430 with 18 home runs and 41 RBI.

Kansas City Royals

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On July 30, 2024, the White Sox traded DeJong to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for pitcher Jarold Rosado.[71]

Personal life

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DeJong has a younger brother, Matthew, and a younger sister, Emma.[72] He lives in Riviera Beach, Florida.[9]

After the 2017 season, DeJong participated in a scientific study as laboratory assistant with Lawrence Rocks exploring the effects of differing temperatures on the flight of the path of the baseball.[30] DeJong and Rocks also appeared together on MLB Now at the 2017 winter meetings.[73][74] Lawrence Rocks is the father of Burton Rocks, who negotiated DeJong's first major league contract.

In 2022, Illinois State University announced that its baseball hitting facility would be named the "Paul DeJong Baseball Training Facility" to recognize DeJong's financial support of Redbird Athletics and the university.[75]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Meet the newest Mets-killer, whom they nearly drafted". New York Post. July 21, 2017. Retrieved June 8, 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Paul DeJong - Baseball". Illinois State University Athletics.
  3. ^ Bailey, Mike (May 9, 2016). "Paul DeJong's patience and adaptability helped propel him to a top 20 prospect | Sports". Kmov.com. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  4. ^ a b c News-Sun Staff (June 4, 2015). "Antioch grad Paul DeJong of Illinois State a likely MLB draft pick". Lake County News-Sun. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
  5. ^ "Paul DeJong - Baseball". Goredbirds.com.
  6. ^ Ryan Denham (March 21, 2016). "Cardinals pick Paul DeJong ready for next step as minor-leaguer". illinoisstate.edu. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  7. ^ a b c "Paul DeJong College, Amateur, Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com.
  8. ^ "2014 Missouri Valley Conference Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com.
  9. ^ a b "Paul DeJong Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com.
  10. ^ Reinhardt, Randy (May 1, 2015). "Stock rising for versatile ISU slugger DeJong". The Pantagraph. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
  11. ^ Leusch, John (February 9, 2015). "Antioch's DeJong catching some national attention at Illinois State". Daily Herald. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
  12. ^ "2015 Missouri Valley Conference Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com.
  13. ^ Knobler, Danny (August 4, 2017). "Paul DeJong is breakout MLB star thanks in part to man serving 4 years in prison". Bleacher Report. Retrieved August 4, 2017.
  14. ^ Bonato, Jeff (June 10, 2015). "St. Louis Cardinals pick Antioch's Paul DeJong in MLB draft". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
  15. ^ Goold, Derrick (August 9, 2015). "Grichuk ranks among the best in 'exit velocity'". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  16. ^ Davidoff, Ken (July 21, 2017). "Meet the newest Mets-killer, whom they nearly drafted". New York Post. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
  17. ^ Reinhardt, Randy. "Former Redbird DeJong promoted to Peoria". The Pantagraph. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
  18. ^ "Paul DeJong minors & fall league statistics & history". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
  19. ^ Langosch, Jenifer (June 14, 2016). "Wong getting work in center field in minors". m.Cardinals.MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 18, 2016. Retrieved July 21, 2016.
  20. ^ "Paul DeJong Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats". MiLB.com. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
  21. ^ a b c "Paul DeJong Stats, Fantasy & News". MiLB.com.
  22. ^ "Major League Baseball - Winter Leagues - Arizona Fall League". MLB.com. Retrieved November 19, 2016.
  23. ^ Fox Sports Midwest (May 28, 2017). "Cardinals place Wong on DL, purchase DeJong's contract". Fox Sports. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
  24. ^ "DeJong homers in first at-bat". MLB.com. May 28, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
  25. ^ Getzenberg, Alaina; Latsch, Nate (July 8, 2017). "DeJong's monster day backs Waino vs. Mets". m.Cardinals.MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 9, 2017. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
  26. ^ "Paul DeJong sets rookie mark for extra-base hits in 3-game series". ESPN. July 9, 2017. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  27. ^ Macklin, Oliver (August 2, 2017). "B-day boy DeJong named NL's top July rookie". MLB.com. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
  28. ^ Post-Dispatch store (June 28, 2017). "Cardinals option Diaz to Memphis; infielder Mejia called up | St. Louis Cardinals". St. Louis Today. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  29. ^ Berry, Adam; Langosch, Jenifer (August 19, 2017). "Cards' late homers not enough after rain delay". m.Cardinals.MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 20, 2017. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
  30. ^ a b Overmyer, Steve (November 9, 2017). "Cardinals' DeJong joins renowned scientist to test effect of heat on baseball". WCBS-TV New York. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
  31. ^ "DeJong in top three for NL Rookie of the Year". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Associated Press. November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
  32. ^ Goold, Derrick (November 13, 2017). "DeJong finishes second in rookie voting; Cards shop for relief". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
  33. ^ Sheinin, Dave. "As chasm grows between MLB teams and players, Cardinals and Paul DeJong may have found a bridge". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
  34. ^ Goold, Derrick (March 5, 2018). "Cardinals lock in DeJong with 6-year extension worth $26 million". St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
  35. ^ Goold, Derrick (March 5, 2018). "As DeJong and Cards commit to each other, Pham chooses to bet on himself". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  36. ^ Heyman, Jon (March 8, 2018). "Twins could still use starter". Fanrag Sports. Archived from the original on March 9, 2018. Retrieved March 8, 2018.
  37. ^ Woods, Amy. "Meet the $26 million man". Florida Weekly. Retrieved March 29, 2018.
  38. ^ Ozanian, Mike. "PODCAST: Why Paul DeJong Got A Record-Breaking Contract From The Cardinals". Forbes. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  39. ^ Ronald Blum. "Paul DeJong homers twice as Cardinals top Mets 5-1 - Sports - Journal Star - Peoria, IL". Pjstar.com. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  40. ^ "Cardinals' Paul DeJong goes on DL with fractured left hand". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. May 18, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
  41. ^ "Cardinals' Paul DeJong: Undergoes successful surgery". CBSSports.com. May 19, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  42. ^ "Cardinals' Paul DeJong (hand) completes light field work Monday". Numberfire.com. June 11, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  43. ^ Trezza, Joe (July 6, 2018). "Cardinals activate Paul DeJong from DL". MLB.com. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  44. ^ "St. Louis Cardinals 2018 player grades: Infielders | Sports". Kmov.com. October 5, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  45. ^ Post-Dispatch store (June 30, 2019). "Backup lifts Cardinals back off the mat: Wieters' homer edges San Diego, 5-3 | Cardinal Beat". Stltoday.com. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  46. ^ Post-Dispatch store (July 25, 2019). "DeJong's three-homer game leads record romp against Pirates | St. Louis Cardinals". Stltoday.com. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  47. ^ "Major League Leaderboards » 2019 » Shortstops » Fielding Statistics | FanGraphs Baseball". Fangraphs.com. January 1, 2019. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  48. ^ "2019 National League batting leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  49. ^ "2019 National League fielding leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  50. ^ "St. Louis Cardinals have six Gold Glove finalists". Kmox.radio.com. October 24, 2019.
  51. ^ Goold, Derrick (August 4, 2020). "Cardinals All-Stars Molina, DeJong and four other players reveal positive tests for COVID-19". STLtoday.com. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  52. ^ "Paul DeJong, SS, St. Louis Cardinals". Cbssports.com. June 28, 2023.
  53. ^ Nightengale, Bobby. "Joey Votto in the Cincinnati Reds lineup, batting third; also Cardinals lineup". The Enquirer. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  54. ^ "DeJong placed on IL with fractured rib". MLB.com. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  55. ^ "St. Louis Cardinals activate Paul DeJong from injured list". Fox2now.com. June 10, 2021. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  56. ^ "DeJong's play during ugly St. Louis Cardinals' season created a shortstop controversy". Bnd.com. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  57. ^ "Sosa, DeJong form SS tandem down stretch". MLB.com. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  58. ^ "Bernie's Redbird Review: A Look At The Performance Of Cardinal Position Players In 2021". Scoopswithdannymac.com. October 8, 2021. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
  59. ^ "Cardinals Option Paul DeJong To Triple-A". MLB Trade Rumors. May 10, 2022. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
  60. ^ "Cardinals trade Edmundo Sosa to Phillies, recall Paul DeJong from the minors". July 30, 2022.
  61. ^ "DeJong shows off rediscovered power in return to lineup". MLB.com.
  62. ^ "DeJong's 3-run HR helps Cardinals sweep Yankees - ESPN Video". August 7, 2022.
  63. ^ "Cardinals Activate Paul DeJong, DFA Taylor Motter". MLB Trade Rumors. April 23, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  64. ^ Axisa, Mike (August 2023). "Paul DeJong trade: Blue Jays land shortstop from Cardinals day after Bo Bichette injury". CBSSports.com.
  65. ^ "DeJong gives Blue Jays short-term lift, long-term options". MLB.com.
  66. ^ "Blue Jays designate Paul DeJong for assignment as Bo Bichette comes off IL". ca.sports.yahoo.com. August 19, 2023. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  67. ^ "Blue Jays designate DeJong for assignment, activate Bichette". ESPN.com. August 19, 2023. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
  68. ^ https://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/paul-dejong-sf-giants-sign-waivers-18311018.php [bare URL]
  69. ^ "Giants Place Brandon Crawford On Injured List, Release Paul DeJong". mlbtraderumors.com. September 21, 2023. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
  70. ^ "White Sox finalize $1.75 million deal with SS DeJong, designate OF Haseley for assignment". USA TODAY. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  71. ^ Rogers, Jesse (July 30, 2024). "Kansas City Royals land Paul DeJong from Chicago White Sox". ESPN.com.
  72. ^ "DeJong hitting right notes in charitable efforts". Mlb.com.
  73. ^ Goold, Derrick (December 13, 2017). "Cards' DeJong talks chemistry (not the clubhouse kind) at winter meetings". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  74. ^ MLB Now: DeJong and Dr. Rocks. Mlb.com. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  75. ^ "Redbird Baseball Indoor Facility to be Named "Paul DeJong Baseball Training Facility"". Illinois State University Athletics. December 19, 2022.
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