Cardinals: Re-ranking the worst contracts in the NL Central

Paul DeJong #11 of the St. Louis Cardinals on deck (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Paul DeJong #11 of the St. Louis Cardinals on deck (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Paul DeJong (11) watches his ball on a double in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Paul DeJong (11) watches his ball on a double in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Paul DeJong

Entering 2022, Paul DeJong was supposed to be the Cardinals everyday shortstop. By the month of May, DeJong had been demoted to AAA Memphis.

Signed to a 6 year, $26 million deal prior to the 2018 season, DeJong is making $6 million this year and $9 million next year, and despite showing flashes upon his return to St. Louis, once again looks like a major burden to the St. Louis payroll.

On the season, DeJong is slashing .160/.253./.319 with 6 HR and 24 RBI. Over his last 15 games, that has dropped even further to .065/.194/.161 for the 29-year old. DeJong still provides great value defensively as a shortstop, but his awful performances at the plate do not justify consistent playing time.

The Cardinals are still hoping he can return to his career average .741 OPS with good defense at the shortstop position, but best case scenario would be a change of scenery.