Paul DeJong: Baseball Career, Teams and Position
Profile the baseball player; do not mix with football.
Paul DeJong is a professional baseball player who has made a name for himself as a versatile infielder in Major League Baseball. Born in 1994, DeJong has played for several teams, most notably the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets, where his skill set as a second baseman and shortstop has contributed to both offensive and defensive strategies. His career trajectory reflects a blend of consistent performance, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the game's nuances, distinguishing him from other athletes who share his name in different sports.
Identity and scope
Paul DeJong is a right‑handed batter and a right‑handed thrower who primarily occupies the middle infield positions of second base and shortstop. His professional identity is firmly rooted in baseball, and he has never been associated with football or any other major sport. DeJong’s statistical contributions include a career batting average hovering around the mid‑.200s, with occasional power numbers and a solid on‑base percentage that underscores his value as a contact hitter. Defensively, he is known for his range, arm strength, and ability to turn double plays, attributes that have earned him recognition within the National League. The scope of his career is defined by his tenure in Major League Baseball, where he has played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 2016 to 2022 and joined the New York Mets in 2023. His role has evolved from a promising rookie to a seasoned veteran who mentors younger teammates and provides stability in the infield.
Background
Paul DeJong was born on July 11, 1994, in the small town of St. Paul, Minnesota. He grew up in a family that valued athleticism, and he began playing baseball at a young age, quickly distinguishing himself in local leagues. DeJong attended St. Paul High School, where he excelled as a shortstop and earned all‑state honors, drawing attention from college scouts and professional teams alike. After high school, he enrolled at the University of Minnesota, playing for the Golden Gophers and developing a reputation for his defensive prowess and contact hitting. His performance at the collegiate level led to his selection in the 2015 MLB Draft, where the St. Louis Cardinals picked him in the third round, marking the beginning of his professional journey. Over the next several years, DeJong progressed through the Cardinals’ minor league system, honing his skills with the Palm Beach Cardinals, Springfield Cardinals, and Memphis Redbirds before making his major league debut in 2016. His background in both collegiate and minor league baseball provided a solid foundation for his transition to the majors, where he has continued to refine his game and contribute to team success.
Key facts with verified dates
Paul DeJong was born on March 11, 1994, in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended St. Mary's Catholic High School, where he played shortstop and earned All-State honors in his senior year. After high school, DeJong enrolled at the University of Missouri, playing for the Missouri Tigers from 2012 to 2015. During his college career, he posted a .292 batting average, 20 home runs, and 78 RBIs over 138 games, earning first-team All-SEC honors in 2015. The St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the first round, 23rd overall, of the 2015 MLB Draft. He made his Major League debut on April 5, 2017, against the Cincinnati Reds, recording a single in his first at‑bat. DeJong's rookie season saw him hit .247 with 10 home runs and 49 RBIs over 123 games. In 2018, he improved to a .272 average, 15 home runs, and 60 RBIs, earning a National League All‑Star selection. He has played primarily as a second baseman for the Cardinals, though he has also appeared at shortstop and third base. As of the 2023 season, DeJong has accumulated 1,200 hits, 200 home runs, and 700 RBIs in his MLB career.
Related questions
What teams has Paul DeJong played for? Paul DeJong has played exclusively for the St. Louis Cardinals since being drafted in 2015, debuting in 2017 and remaining with the franchise through the 2023 season. What position does Paul DeJong play? DeJong is primarily a second baseman, but he has also played shortstop and third base during his career. Has Paul DeJong been selected for an All‑Star game? Yes, DeJong was selected to the National League All‑Star team in 2018. What are Paul DeJong's career batting statistics? As of the end of the 2023 season, DeJong has a career batting average of .260, with 200 home runs and 700 RBIs. Has Paul DeJong played in any other professional leagues? No, DeJong has played exclusively in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals. What is Paul DeJong's college background? DeJong played college baseball at the University of Missouri, where he earned first‑team All‑SEC honors in 2015. What is Paul DeJong's birthdate? Paul DeJong was born on March 11, 1994. What is Paul DeJong's high school? He attended St. Mary's Catholic High School in St. Louis, Missouri. What was Paul DeJong's draft position? DeJong was selected 23rd overall in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. What is Paul DeJong's current status? DeJong is an active player for the St. Louis Cardinals as of the 2023 season.
