The New York Yankees have some difficult roster decisions to make with opening day less than two weeks away.
New York is running it back this year with a very similar squad to last season, but the team did bring in multiple talented veterans this offseason, including former All-Star infielder Paul DeJong. The 32-year-old is vying for a roster spot for the Yankees after spending last season with the Washington Nationals.
Though the Yankees signed DeJong to a minor-league contract, NorthJersey.com’s Pete Caldera predicts that the former All-Star will crack the team’s opening day roster, especially if four-year veteran Oswaldo Cabrera is delayed after missing most of last season with an ankle fracture.
“Assuming Cabrera — coming back from last year’s ankle fracture — is delayed a bit, either DeJong, Ornelas or Schuemann could fill one of the final position player spots,” Caldera wrote Friday. “DeJong and Ornelas are non-roster invitees and Schuemann — an intriguing player for Boone due to his versatility, including an ability to play the outfield — is on the 40-man roster. But DeJong’s nine-year MLB track record, with experience at all four infield spots, might give him the edge in this field.”
DeJong hasn’t been the most productive batter this spring for the Yankees, but he is only a year removed from slugging 24 home runs. The 32-year-old is a solid fielder who boasts impressive defensive versatility and can play all over the diamond.
Most of New York’s roster spots are already taken, but with DeJong’s mix of versatility and power, he could have a strong chance to earn himself one of the team’s final bench spots.
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