DeJong walks to new team after being traded in middle of Royals-White Sox series

Paul DeJong had a quick commute after being traded from the Chicago White Sox to the Kansas City Royals. He threw his gear into a duffel bag and walked from the third-base clubhouse at U.S. Cellular Field to the first-base locker room.

“It’s a lot better than worrying about getting to the airport and all that stuff,” DeJong said with a smile after Kansas City’s 4-3 win Tuesday night. “It was pretty easy.”

DeJong was acquired for minor league right-hander Jarold Rosado in a trade announced three hours before the game. White Sox clubhouse staff helped him pack his things, and a Royals duffel bag was waiting for him in the other locker room.

DeJong, who turns 31 on Friday, did not play Tuesday night. He hit .228 with 18 homers and 41 RBIs for the White Sox, making 83 starts at shortstop and 10 starts at third base.

“I’m just happy to be on a great team. I’ve been watching this team play for a while now and it just seems like a great group of guys, a lot of young, hungry talent and a chance to win,” DeJong said. “I could have traveled across the country, but instead I’m walking the field, so it’s a day I’ll never forget.”

Kansas City has star player Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia starts most games at third base, making DeJong a likely option for manager Matt Quatraro.

“My role is going to be flexible. I think I’ll jump around and just try to take advantage of whatever opportunities I get,” DeJong said. “I’m going to get reps all over the infield, and whatever Q needs, whatever this team needs, I’m willing to do.”

DeJong agreed to a $1.75 million, one-year contract with Chicago and can earn $150,000 for 400 plate appearances — he has 363 — and $100,000 more for 500. He is a .229 career hitter with 134 homers and 385 RBIs for St. Louis (2017-23), Toronto (2023), San Francisco (2023) and the White Sox. He can become a free agent again after the World Series.

“He’s got a track record of playing right-handed in his career, which is an interesting dynamic,” Quatraro said. “We haven’t mapped out how many days a week he’s going to play or where or anything like that, because he’s played short most of his career, with this last month playing third, so we’re not going to just throw him in somewhere he’s not comfortable.”