Baseball

Yankees Spring Training Update: Paul DeJong Sticking with Minor League Deal

by
William Caldwell
March 19, 2026

As the Yankees gear up for the 2023 season, roster decisions are heating up in spring training. Veteran infielder Paul DeJong is expected to remain with the team, opting not to exercise an opt-out clause in his minor league contract, according to a report by Joel Sherman of the New York Post. While DeJong aims to make the active roster, he is prepared to begin the season in Triple-A if he falls short.

The Yankees’ starting infield appears to be solidified with Ben Rice, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Jose Caballero, and Ryan McMahon. Meanwhile, established players Paul Goldschmidt and Amed Rosario are expected to fill bench roles. With Anthony Volpe sidelined due to injury, New York may seek a backup shortstop, although it remains uncertain if they will pursue that direction. Oswaldo Cabrera is also in the mix for a potential bench spot.

DeJong’s spring performance has been a mixed bag; he has played in 12 games, posting a .194 batting average with six hits, including two home runs and two doubles, culminating in a .758 OPS. Last season, he appeared in 57 games for the Nationals, where he recorded a .228 average, six home runs, and ten doubles.

In other roster news, the Yankees have reassigned right-handed pitcher Adam Kloffenstein to minor league camp. The 25-year-old did not see any action in the Grapefruit League this spring but has three major league appearances to his name, with a combined two runs allowed over five innings.

Additionally, the Yankees announced their second round of cuts, which included RHP Chase Hampton, the team’s No. 8 prospect, who is still recovering from Tommy John surgery. Hampton has yet to pitch in a Grapefruit League game this spring. The Yankees also reassigned RHP Travis MacGregor and RHP Drake Fellows to minor league camp, with Fellows having thrown one inning in a spring game, allowing a hit and two walks.

Earlier this month, the Yankees reassigned RHP Alexander Cornielle and catcher Abrahan Gutierrez to minor league camp, following the outright of outfielder Yanquiel Fernandez to Triple-A. As spring training progresses, the Yankees continue to refine their roster ahead of Opening Day.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

William Caldwell

William Caldwell is a veteran journalist whose career has spanned the highs and lows of the sports world. With a focus on baseball and hockey, William’s articles are known for their depth and historical perspective, making him a favorite among fans who appreciate the rich traditions of sports. Outside the press box, William is an amateur historian with a particular interest in sports memorabilia.