The Nationals add a veteran third baseman with some thump
While it was not the big name we were hoping for, the Nationals added a veteran third baseman Paul Dejong. He signed with the team on a one-year deal worth $1 million. Power and defense are the name of the game for the 31 year old.
Dejong swatted 24 home runs last season with the White Sox and the Royals. This number would have led the Nationals last season, which says more about the Nats lack of power than anything else. Outside of the home runs, Dejong doesn’t bring much else to the table at the plate. He strikes out a lot while not walking much, leading to low batting averages and on base percentages. Dejong is very reliant on his power to keep his offensive game afloat. If the homers are coming, he is a solid hitter, but if they are not, it can be a rough watch.
Dejong is an asset on the defensive side of the ball. He has graded out as a positive defender every year since 2021. This was mainly as a shortstop, but he played a lot of third base for the Royals, looking very good defensively at the hot corner. That is likely where he will see his most reps in 2025.
Dejong’s playing time will likely depend on how well Jose Tena plays in spring. While it would be easy to imagine a platoon, Dejong was actually much better against right handed pitching, despite being a right hander.
Dejong is a cheap depth piece who will play solid defense and occasionally run into a home run. He figures to be in the mix to start games at the third base position and allows Amed Rosario to be a super utility man.