The Washington Nationals have added a versatile infielder with some striking firepower. On Sunday, the team agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract with Paul DeJong. According to Jon Heyman, an insider on the Major League Baseball (MLB) network, the contract also includes a $600,000 incentive bonus.

As a corresponding adjustment, right pitcher Josiah Gray, who is recovering from Tommy John's surgery (elbow ligament reconstruction surgery), has been added to the 60-day injury list.

"Things are moving very fast," Paul DeJong said Sunday morning, "and I felt like this could be a good team for me as soon as the break started." My house is close to [Jupiter, Florida], which is also an advantage. There are a lot of positives here. ”

Paul DeJong, 31, has struggled to regain his offensive form early on with the Cardinals, but the veteran has hit 24 home runs during his time with the White Sox and Royals in 2024. The Nationals finished bottom of the league last season in the number of home runs (135) and second-lowest batting percentage (0.375).

"The bottom line is that he's a right-hand hitter and can hit a home run for us," said Dave Martinez, the Nationals' manager. ”

In 2017, Paul DeJong rose to prominence with a batting average of 0.285, 25 home runs and an Attack Index (OPS) of 0.857, finishing second behind Cody Bellinger in the National League Rookie of the Year poll. In 2018, he had a solid season, followed by a career-high 30 home runs in 2019 and was named to the All-Star Game that year.

For the next three seasons of 2020-2022, Paul DeJong had a batting average of just 0.196 and an OPS of 0.631. In 2023, he was still in poor form with an OPS of 0.709 in 81 games for the Cardinals and was traded to the Blue Jays at the trade deadline. Three weeks later, he was released by the Toronto Blue Jays, and although he quickly signed with the Giants, he was released again a month later.

To get back on track, Paul DeJong signed a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the White Sox ahead of the 2024 season. He played in 102 games for the White Sox and hit 18 home runs, prompting the Royals to recruit him for a playoff run. Paul DeJong hit six more home runs in 37 games with the Kansas City Royals, and for the entire 2024 season, he hit a 3-game scale of 0.227/0.276/0.427 in 139 games, making a total of 24 home runs.

"I ditched some of the no-step swing mechanics," says Paul DeJong, "and last year I went back to using more of a natural swing mechanic with leg lifts. But a lot of times, because I played well in the long game, I paid a little too much attention to the power of my swing, which caused my selection discipline to get a little out of control...... Now, I'm more aware of, 'Okay, I need to get on base, I can't just think about swinging a bat and hitting a strong hit.' ’”

Defensively, Paul DeJong can play as a shortstop and third baseman. Last season, he played primarily on third base, starting 38 times and defending 328 and 1/3 innings on third base with a 0.970 attrition percentage.

Paul DeJong is likely to share playing time with left-hand striker José Tena at third base and serve as a substitute for shortstop CJ Abrams.

"I looked at Paul's stats and he did really well against the right pitcher," said Dave Martinez, "and if he hits well, he's going to get a chance to play." That being said, we also wanted to put José Tena on the field. So this year's spring training will be able to see how things develop. ”

This winter, the Nationals signed a one-year contract with experienced versatile infielder Amed Rosario. They also have a lot of potential reserves in this position. Top third base rookie Brady House (the third-ranked rookie with the Nationals in 2024) is expected to make his major league debut this season. Cayden Wallace (No. 11) and Yohandy Morales (No. 9) are also expected to make their mark in the future.

"The best part at the moment is that there are so many opportunities." Dave Martinez said.