In recent years, the front office of the St. Louis Cardinals has been subject to much criticism from fans and media members alike, and rightfully so.
There have been players available in free agency and at trade deadlines that they ultimately chose to pass on, which has drawn the ire of the fanbase.
The team chose to sit out of the shortstop sweepstakes, despite options such as Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, Dansby Swanson, and Carlos Correa being available.
However, it ultimately appears to have worked out in their favor.
While Paul DeJong has dealt with some struggles, some of his numbers are better than those of any of the four elite shortstops.
On Twitter, a Cardinals analyst pointed out that this move had ultimately paid off for the team.
I was someone who was *very* much in favor of the #STLCards signing a SS in one of the past two FA classes.
For all the FA misses the Cardinals have had – & there have been many – sticking w/ status quo at SS in '23 has paid off. Plus, they still have a long-term answer w/ Winn.
— Brandon Kiley (@BKSportsTalk) June 21, 2023
Between DeJong and the four shortstops listed, the Cardinals slugger has the second-lowest batting average.
However, he owns a .770 OPS, which ranks higher than the four other shortstops listed.
DeJong has also shown off his power again this season and appears to have found his footing.
He came off the injured list in April and quickly took the bull by the horns by securing the starting shortstop job, while players such as Tommy Edman and Brendan Donovan took reps in the outfield.
It’s also important to note that shortstop Masyn Winn is lurking in the minor leagues and is likely to be the team’s long-term solution at that position.
DeJong has hit 11 home runs since being activated from the injured list on April 23.
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