Spring Training Newcomer Spotlight: Paul DeJong

The White Sox have a ton of new players in Spring Training this year, with the total sitting at 70. This creates a lot of competition for the fringe players on the team, which could potentially lead to a few more wins for the White Sox. Unfortunately, 44 of the players will not be on the team after Spring Training, opening them up to find other teams or accept a demotion to the minors. 

One of the newcomers that is likely to make the team is Paul DeJong, as he was a clear target of Chris Getz in free agency, as he was the first free agent signing they made. Chris Getz made it very clear that he wanted to upgrade his infield and overall defense, and DeJong was clearly part of that plan. 

While most White Sox fans were not moved by this signing, as it likely does not move the needle, DeJong has been a very good player in the major leagues before, so he could easily provide some upside and veteran leadership in the clubhouse. It was just a one year, 1.75 million dollar deal, so the White Sox don’t lose much if he doesn't pan out. 

Last year DeJong split time between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants, and he did not prove much with the bat. He hit .207 with 38 RBIs and 14 home runs. While not great, this was one of his best offensive seasons of the last three years, so a change of scenery could potentially benefit him, especially if you combine it with the low stake games of the White Sox this year.

Baseball Savant grades him out as one of the worst offensive players in all of baseball last year and the last few years. The last time he was graded out as an above average hitter was in 2018. It is safe to say we shouldn’t expect much with the bat this year, but one thing that has remained consistent over the years has been his fielding. 

Last year Baseball Savant graded his fielding run value in the 84th percentile, which is one of the best in the league. His outs above average were in the 94th percentile which puts him as one of the elite shortstops in the game. 

The White Sox struggled with their infield defense the last few years, so he will be able to help improve that this year if he wins the starting shortstop job. He likely is the favorite to win the job out of Spring Training, with Braden Shewmake likely trying to unseat him. 

If DeJong starts at shortstop, he will still have to play well as Colson Montgomery could be hot on his tail if he proves he is ready in the minors. If not, Shewmake could take some innings to bridge the gap as well. 

If he can hit .245 with 20 home runs that would be a fantastic year, as despite his low average, DeJong typically provides some solid power, as he displayed in the Spring Training game yesterday. Let's hope he can have a bit of a resurgence with the White Sox, but history is not on his side.