Blue Jays acquire DeJong from Cardinals

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired shortstop Paul DeJong from the St. Louis Cardinals. Photo: Toronto Blue Jays

August 1, 2023

Official Toronto Blue Jays News Release

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired INF Paul DeJong and cash considerations from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for RHP Matt Svanson.

DeJong, 29, has hit .233 with 11 doubles, 13 home runs, and 32 RBIs across 81 games for the Cardinals this season. The 6-foot, 205-pound right-handed hitter was selected by St. Louis in the fourth round of the 2015 draft and debuted with the club in 2017. In seven seasons for the Cards, the Orlando native has kept a .233 batting average at the plate and a .981 fielding percentage at shortstop.

Svanson, 24, has combined for 26 relief appearances with Single-A Dunedin and High-A Vancouver this season, earning a 4-1 record with a 1.11 ERA. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound righty was selected by the Blue Jays in the 13th round of the 2021 draft. The Lake Zurich, Ill., native has compiled a 3.18 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP across 65 career minor league appearances.

To make room on the 40-man roster, OF Jordan Luplow has been designated for assignment.