Rays lose out on veteran infield option with recent Yankees' signing

The Tampa Bay middle infield situation is looking rather scarce, especially after the trade that saw Brandon Lowe pack his bags for Pittsburgh. The Rays have the corners well established with 2025 All-Star Junior Caminero and 2023 Silver Slugger Yandy Diaz manning those positions. However, a combination of Taylor Walls, 22-year-old Carson Williams, and Richie Palacios will be patrolling up the middle. Finding a replacement for Lowe or at the very least, applying depth to shortstop and second base will be paramount. Therefore, this recent Yankees' signing erases another solid option for the Rays.

Yankees sign 2019 All-Star infielder Paul DeJong to a minor league deal

Paul DeJong started his career off on an absolute tear as he finished second in the 2017 NL Rookie of the Year race behind only Cody Bellinger and his monstrous 39-homer campaign. The Illinois native also received his first All-Star nomination in the 2019 season as he recorded an impressive 5.2 WAR behind 30 home runs.

His tenure in St. Louis started to decline after the shortened 2020 season where he managed only three homers in 45 contests. Regardless, MLB clubs are plugging him in on one-year deals due to his consistent bat and power potential. In fact, DeJong appeared in 139 games in 2024 and hit 24 home runs between the White Sox and Royals.

The Yankees are likely taking a low-risk chance on the 32-year-old due to his veteran presence and their own uncertainty in the infield. As it stands, the New York infield consists of Anthony Volpe, Jazz Chisolm Jr., Ben Rice, and Ryan McMahon. The front office hasn't quite figured out the fate of Volpe as fans demand a replacement year in and year out. Also, Chisolm has been considered in trade talks as the Yankees look to add more right-handed bats (like DeJong). McMahon and Rice are pretty stable in their positions, but depth is always key for a club looking to compete for a championship every year.

Meanwhile, the Rays have a definite hole at second base with the loss of beloved infielder Brandon Lowe. Palacios can fill in as of now, but his defensive abilities are more apt for the outfield. Tampa's front office should consider searching for a firm replacement or at the very least, depth options via trade or free agency.