Veteran Infielder Predicted to Make Yankees Roster

Despite minor league contract, Paul DeJong has chance to crack opening day lineup.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:33pm

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The New York Yankees are facing tough roster decisions ahead of opening day, with veteran infielder Paul DeJong vying for a spot on the team's 26-man roster. Though DeJong signed a minor-league contract, NorthJersey.com's Pete Caldera predicts the former All-Star will make the Yankees' opening day roster, especially if four-year veteran Oswaldo Cabrera is delayed after missing most of last season with an ankle injury.

Why it matters

The Yankees are looking to build on last season's success and return to the playoffs. Adding a versatile veteran like DeJong, who has nine years of MLB experience and can play multiple infield positions, could provide valuable depth and lineup flexibility for the team.

The details

DeJong, 32, is vying for a roster spot after spending last season with the Washington Nationals. Though his spring training numbers haven't been the most productive, he is only a year removed from hitting 24 home runs. The Yankees signed DeJong to a minor-league contract, but Caldera believes he could earn one of the team's final bench spots due to his mix of versatility and power.

  • The Yankees' opening day is less than two weeks away.
  • Oswaldo Cabrera missed most of last season with an ankle fracture.

The players

Paul DeJong

A 32-year-old veteran infielder who is trying to make the Yankees' opening day roster after signing a minor-league contract.

Oswaldo Cabrera

A four-year Yankees veteran who missed most of last season with an ankle fracture.

Pete Caldera

A writer for NorthJersey.com who predicts DeJong will make the Yankees' opening day roster.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Pete Caldera, Writer

What’s next

The Yankees will have to finalize their 26-man roster before opening day, which is less than two weeks away.

The takeaway

The Yankees are looking to add veteran depth and versatility to their roster, and Paul DeJong's nine-year MLB experience and ability to play multiple infield positions could give him the edge to crack the opening day lineup, especially if Oswaldo Cabrera's recovery from an ankle injury is delayed.