Ex-Cardinals All-Star Projected To Land $13.9 Million Contract

The former Cardinals star is going to get paid well this winter
Apr 16, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA;  A bucket of baseballs sits on the field prior to the game between the San Francisco Giants against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Apr 16, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; A bucket of baseballs sits on the field prior to the game between the San Francisco Giants against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images / Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

One former member of the St. Louis Cardinals is going to be available this winter.

Former Cardinals All-Star shortstop Paul DeJong spent the first six-plus years of his career with St. Louis but was traded during the 2023 season to the Toronto Blue Jays.

DeJong began the 2024 season with the Chicago White Sox and impressed. He was having one of his best seasons in years and was traded to the Kansas City Royals where he has been an integral piece for a playoff contender.

He will be a free agent this winter and will cash in. He currently is projected to get a deal worth roughly $13.9 million over three years, according to Spotrac.

That isn't a small chunk of change. He has earned it with his play this season and likely will land with a contender -- maybe even Kansas City in free agency. DeJong appeared in 139 total games this season with the White Sox and Royals and clubbed 24 home runs and drove in 56 runs.

He isn't a high-batting average player, but his power and solid defense certainly will help a team. There likely will be a handful of teams that pursue him this winter, but the Cardinals won't be one. St. Louis is looking to cut payroll and likely isn't going to be adding too much this winter.

DeJong has had plenty of experience with the Cardinals and hopefully is able to get another solid opportunity this winter in free agency.

More MLB: Ex-Cardinals Projected $90 Million Star To Be Pursued By AL East Club


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Patrick McAvoy
PATRICK MCAVOY

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on baseball and basketball. Outside of journalism, Patrick also is pursuing an MBA at Brandeis University. After quickly rising as one of the most productive writers on the site, he expanded his reach to write for Baseball Essential, a national baseball site in Sports Illustrated Media Group. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu