All-Star infielder opts out of Yankees deal to become a free agent
TL;DR
All-Star infielder Paul DeJong has opted out of his contract with the New York Yankees to become a free agent. This decision comes amid a strong offensive showing from the team and the return of Anthony Volpe.
Key points
- Paul DeJong opts out of Yankees contract
- Yankees have a strong infield and offense
- Anthony Volpe's return influences DeJong's decision
All-Star infielder opts out of Yankees deal to become a free agent originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Yankees are sitting atop the American League East. With Aaron Judge and Ben Rice leading the pack, the offense is putting together a strong showing this year.
The infield looks strong, with Amed Rosario being an .828 OPS hitter in a nice surprise for the Yankees' offense. Add in a few other solid infielders, and the Yankees aren't in dire need of upgrades in their infield.
With such a crowded infield and the looming return of Anthony Volpe, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, veteran infielder and All-Star Paul DeJong has decided to opt out of his deal with the Yankees to become a free agent.
Paul DeJong elects free agency, leaves Yankees
"Paul DeJong has opted out of his Yankees deal, and he becomes a free (agent) as of this afternoon," Heyman reports.
The Yankees losing DeJong wasn't a complete surprise, as the veteran journeyman infielder seemed likely to leave the organization with his opt-out, as he's currently sitting in the minor leagues.
But now, he is hitting free agency and will get the chance to sign with a team's big-league club that needs infield depth due to injury or poor play.
More: Aaron Judge makes baseball history never done before by Yankees player
The 32-year-old veteran was an All-Star with the St. Louis Cardinals back in 2019, and after spending seven years there, he wound up making a lot of pit stops around the league in the last three years.
He played for the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays in 2023, followed by the Kansas City Royals and Chicago White Sox in 2024, and then the Washington Nationals last year.
In 2024, he hit 24 home runs, 18 with the White Sox in 102 games and then six with the Royals in 37 games. It was a productive season with a .703 OPS on the year. But a .642 OPS in 2025 had DeJong only signing a minor league deal with the Yankees.
He didn't make the big-league roster for the Yankees, and now has opted out of his contract, and will get a chance in free agency. While the Yankees are losing some veteran infield depth, it's not a departure that will hurt them in the long-run.
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Q&A
Why did Paul DeJong opt out of his Yankees contract?
Paul DeJong opted out of his Yankees contract due to the crowded infield situation and the anticipated return of Anthony Volpe.
What impact does Paul DeJong's free agency have on the Yankees?
DeJong's departure as a free agent may not significantly impact the Yankees, as they have a strong infield and are not in urgent need of upgrades.
Who are the key players contributing to the Yankees' offense this season?
Key players contributing to the Yankees' offense this season include Aaron Judge and Ben Rice, along with Amed Rosario's impressive performance.
