MLB team signs rookie of the year runner-up to record-breaking deal
It’s not often that a major league team will sign a player with less than one year of experience to a deal that guarantees him millions of dollars.
At the same time, it’s not all that common for an unheralded shortstop to do what Paul DeJong did in his rookie year.
In 2017, at the ripe young age of 23, DeJong made quite an impression, batting .285 with 65 RBIs in just 417 official at-bats. For his efforts, DeJong finished second in the voting for National League Rookie of the Year.
And now, with the 2018 regular season just weeks away, the Cardinals have ensured that DeJong is their starting shortstop for the foreseeable future.
On Monday, the club announced they have signed DeJong to a 6-year contract extension worth $26 million in guaranteed money.
As noted by MLB.com, it’s the largest contract ever awarded to a player with less than a year of big-league experience, breaking the record set last spring when shortstop Tim Anderson signed an extension with the Chicago White Sox worth $25 million.
Not only is DeJong getting $26 million guaranteed, but the deal also includes team options for 2024 and 2015. If the Cardinals end up picking up those options, DeJong could make a total of $51.5 million, though he wouldn’t become a free agent until his age-32 season.
Both sides seemed to be happy that an agreement could be reached.
“Any time we make this kind of investment and commitment to a player, we want to do it with the right type of player,” Cardinals vice president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said, according to ESPN.
“We talk a lot about the Cardinal Way and the character that we look at, and Paul exemplifies all of that.”
Meanwhile, DeJong himself praised the Cardinals and said he’s glad he has the opportunity to play for them in the years to come.
“It’s a first-class organization and exactly where I want to be long term,” DeJong said. “I think we’re all pretty happy about this.”
DeJong’s teammates congratulated the shortstop on his newfound wealth.
However, as CBS Sports pointed out, DeJong still has to prove that he’s worth the money.
Particularly, he may look to improve his eye at the plate.
Last year, DeJong struck out 124 times and drew just 21 walks, meaning his OBP was only .325.
DeJong will get a chance to prove himself starting March 29, when the Cardinals take on the New York Mets in their regular-season opener.
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