CHICAGO – The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms on a one-year, $1.75-million contract with infielder Paul DeJong (“de-YOUNG”), and designated outfielder Adam Haseley for assignment.
DeJong, 30, combined to hit .207 (77-372) with 13 doubles, 14 home runs, 38 RBI and 41 runs scored in 112 games between St. Louis, Toronto and San Francisco last season. He started the season with the Cardinals and was traded to the Blue Jays in exchange for right-handed pitcher Matt Svanson on August 1. The 6-foot, 205-pound DeJong was released by Toronto on August 21, signed with the Giants on August 23 and was released on September 21.
DeJong was selected to the National League All-Star Team and was a Gold Glove finalist at shortstop in 2019, and was the NL Rookie of the Year runner-up in 2017. He ranks among MLB shortstop leaders since the start of the 2018 season in ultimate zone rating (3rd, 28.4), defensive runs saved (6th, 41), defensive runs above average (14th, 33.1) and outs above average (18th, 14). DeJong made five consecutive Opening Day starts at shortstop for the Cardinals from 2018-22.
DeJong is a career .229/.299/.417 (578-2,526) hitter with 120 doubles, 116 home runs, 344 RBI and 341 runs scored in 729 games over seven MLB seasons with St. Louis (2017-23), Toronto (2023) and San Francisco (2023). He appeared in 14 postseason games with the Cardinals (2019-22), including the 2019 NLCS. DeJong, who attended Antioch (Ill.) High School, originally was selected by St. Louis in the fourth round of the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of Illinois State University.
Haseley, 27, hit .222 (8-36) with two doubles, two RBI and six runs scored in 28 games with Chicago last season.
Following the moves, the White Sox 40-man roster remains at 40.
