Paul Dejong (Jeff Curry /USA TODAY Sports)
Paul Dejong‘s success has been key to the Cardinals‘ recent surge in the standings. After getting off to a horrible start, the Cardinals have won several series in a row and have slowly been climbing the N.L. Central standings.
Dejong has had a tough time the last few years. Most had given up on him being anything more than a back up. His defense was never in question but his bat seemed to disappear.
Cardinals’ Shortstop Impresses in Rookie Season
Dejong’s 2017 rookie season was impressive. In only 108 games and 443 at bats Dejong put up an impressive .285/.325/.532 slash line with 25 homeruns. A performance that garnered him a second place finish to Cody Bellinger in the rookie of the year voting. Understandably the Cardinals decided to extend him. The extension was worth twenty six million dollars in guaranteed money and bought out his first two years of free agency. The front office was betting heavily on Dejong being the team’s shortstop. A bet that didn’t play out as they hoped.
In the two seasons following his rookie year, Dejong saw his average and on base percentage drop. However he maintained his value by hitting for power and playing stellar defense. He was even selected for the N.L. All Star team in 2019.
Cardinals Send Dejong Back to Minors
The following three seasons Dejong’s production plummeted. His inability to handle the high fastball and lack of plate discipline translated into a shocking drop off in production. After the major league pitchers figured that out, his weaknesses were exposed and he didn’t adjust. With the emergence of middle infielders Tommy Edman and Brendan Donovan the team had no choice but to send Dejong back to Triple-A to try and figure things out.
Throughout these difficult times Dejong handled the demotion with grace and professionalism. He knew he needed to work on his swing and never publicly complained or caused any drama in the clubhouse.
Dejong Makes Changes
Entering the 2023 season Dejong had to know this was his last chance to save his career. During the off-season he made big changes to his approach at the plate. He eliminated his leg kick and is much quieter at the plate. Simplifying his approach greatly. Seemingly his pitch recognition has improved as well, which has translated into chasing pitches that are out of the strike zone less often. Which, in turn, has forced pitchers to attack him in the strike zone and so far he’s making the most out of his opportunities.
In only twenty five games this season Dejong has put up a .291/.371/.616 slash line with eight homeruns while continuing his excellent defense. Currently his stats are comparable to this past seasons top free agent shortstops if not better. He’s also done this in half the games after starting the season on the injured list. If he can continue to hit like he is, it will undoubtedly translate to more success for the St. Louis Cardinals and a nice payday this off-season.
