Overview
- The Tigers, who reached an agreement Tuesday, signed nine-year veteran Paul DeJong to a minor-league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Toledo.
- DeJong became a free agent after opting out of a Yankees minor-league deal at the end of April when he did not receive a call-up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
- In 23 Triple-A games this spring he hit .203 with six home runs and a 19% walk rate, pairing power and patience despite the low batting average.
- Manager A.J. Hinch said DeJong is a real option when needed, with Detroit still without Javier Báez and Trey Sweeney even as Zach McKinstry returned from the injured list.
- If promoted, DeJong would earn a prorated $1 million and bring multi-position coverage at shortstop, second base, and third base.