Tigers sign veteran who just ditched Yankees

DeJong’s departure from New York was by design. After signing a minor league deal with the Yankees in January, the nine-year veteran never received the big-league call-up he was looking for. With Anthony Volpe working his way back from shoulder surgery, the Yankees brought DeJong in as a depth option — but Jose Caballero, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Max Schuemann all stood between him and the roster. After issuing a promotion ultimatum at the end of April, DeJong followed through on his word and opted out on April 30.

The numbers at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre justified his confidence. In 23 games, DeJong slashed .228/.269/.373 with six home runs, posting a 127 wRC+ and walking at a 19% clip. The batting average is ugly, but the power and patience numbers tell a different story — there is still real production in that bat.

DeJong brings a veteran versatility that any contender values. He has logged time at shortstop, third base, second base, and first base throughout his career, and the Tigers’ front office clearly believes that experience is worth a look. The former Cardinals All-Star was once one of the premier power-hitting shortstops in the National League, launching 25 home runs as a rookie in 2017 and earning his only All-Star nod in 2019. Nine MLB organizations later, he still has something to prove.

Detroit is betting he can prove it in a Tigers uniform. If he forces his way onto the 40-man roster and earns big-league playing time, this could quietly become one of the best low-cost pickups of the summer.