MLB Insider predicts Blue Jays will re-sign former shortstop

Currently a free agent, De Jong was briefly a Blue Jay in 2023, acquired as insurance for the team when Bo Bichette went down with an injury. Bichette recovered quicker than expected, and De Jong was designated for assignment 18 days later. In 13 games for Toronto, he went just 3/44 with one RBI.

After a stint with the Giants to finish off 2023, De Jong spilt time between the White Sox and Royals in 2024.

After a down year, De Jong did manage to hit 24 home runs last season. While he no doubt has some pop, his more traditional offensive metrics are low, with a career batting average of .229 to go along with a .295 OBP.

In spite of this, Just Baseball's Ryan Finkelstein is predicting that Blue Jays will reunite with De Jong. While he could add power to the lineup, his defence still leaves something to be desired, accumulating a -9 DRS and -1 OAA last season.

However, this is not a reunion that makes sense for the Jays. They already have a crowded infield with Bichette at short, Ernie Clement at third, and a myriad of backup options including Will Wagner, Addison Barger, Leo Jimenez, and Orelvis Mrtinez.

Finkelstein predicts a one year, $5MM contract.

SOURCES - Sports Illustrated, Just Baseball

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