The St. Louis Cardinals executed a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays 18 days ago in which shortstop Paul DeJong was dealt minor league pitcher Matt Svanson. At the time Toronto had recently placed their star shortstop Bo Bichette on the IL with a knee injury. Today Bo Bichette was activated off the IL and Paul DeJong was DFA’d as a corresponding roster move.
Former St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong has been DFA’d by the Toronto Blue Jays.
With the Blue Jays Paul DeJong struggled to the tune of just three hits in 44 plate appearances. He did not draw any walks, record any extra base hits, and he struck out 18 times. His 2023 season OPS+ is just 73 and he has not posted an OPS+ over 100 since 2018.
Toronto parting ways this quickly with Paul DeJong was merely because at the time of the trade deadline it was not known how serious Bo Bichette’s injury was. Now that he is healthy and activated there is no reason for them to hold on to the struggling shortstop.
More than likely no team will want to claim Paul DeJong given his remaining salary and odds are he will become a free agent in a few days. He’s making $9MM this year, with about $2.13MM still to be paid out and then a $2MM buyout on his 2024 option. The St. Louis Cardinals are covering the buyouts and half of his remaining salary.
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