Paul DeJong experienced a quick transition after being traded from the Chicago White Sox to the Kansas City Royals. He packed his equipment into a duffel bag and made a short walk from the clubhouse on the third-base side of US Cellular Field to the locker room on the first-base side.
“It’s so much better than having to stress about catching a flight and all that,” DeJong remarked with a smile following Kansas City’s 4-3 victory on Tuesday night. “The move was really straightforward.”
DeJong was traded for minor league right-hander Jarold Rosado in a deal that was announced just three hours before the game. The White Sox’s clubhouse staff assisted him in packing, and a Royals duffel bag was ready for him in the new locker room.
Although he didn’t play on Tuesday, DeJong, who will turn 31 on Friday, had posted a .228 batting average with 18 home runs and 41 RBIs for the White Sox, appearing in 83 games at shortstop and 10 at third base.
“I’m thrilled to be part of such a great team. I’ve been watching them for a while, and they seem like an amazing group of guys with a lot of young, eager talent and a real shot at winning,” DeJong shared. “I could have been sent across the country, but instead, I just moved across the field, making this a day I’ll never forget.”
With star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia typically starting at third base, DeJong is likely to serve as a bench option for manager Matt Quatraro.
“My role will likely be fluid. I think I’ll be versatile and aim to capitalize on any chances that come my way,” DeJong stated. “I plan to take reps all over the infield, and whatever Q needs or what the team requires, I’m ready to step up.”
DeJong signed a one-year deal worth $1.75 million with Chicago and can earn an extra $150,000 upon reaching 400 plate appearances – he currently has 363 – and an additional $100,000 for 500. Over his career, he has a .229 batting average with 134 home runs and 385 RBIs playing for St. Louis (2017-23), Toronto (2023), San Francisco (2023), and the White Sox. He will become a free agent again after the World Series.
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“He has a solid record of hitting against right-handed pitchers, which adds an interesting dynamic,” Quatraro commented. “We haven’t determined yet how often he’ll play or where, as the majority of his experience has been at shortstop, with only the past month spent at third base. We want to make sure we don’t put him in a position where he feels uncomfortable.”
