it might be time to move Austin Riley to the bottom of the lineup…
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BRADENTON, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Paul DeJong #18 of the New York Yankees looks on after scoring in the second inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates during a Grapefruit League spring training game at LECOM Park on February 23, 2026 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
On Thursday afternoon, the Atlanta Braves played the Detroit Tigers (at home) for the finale of their three-game series.
They were unable to sweep the series, losing by a score of 5-2.
Austin Riley’s struggles continued, as he had three strikeouts (and no hits).
it might be time to move Austin Riley to the bottom of the lineup…
GettyPaul DeJong #12 of the St. Louis Cardinals warms up prior to the 2019 MLB All-Star Game at Progressive Field on July 09, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio.
With Riley struggling, a good option for the Braves could be trading for Paul DeJong (who is currently playing in Triple-A for the New York Yankees).
He could likely be acquired for cash considerations, and would be able to provide solid depth if Riley’s slump continues late in the season.
It’s also possible that he will become a free agent in May.
Jon Heyman of The New York Post wrote (on April 27): “Paul DeJong gave the Yankees notice he’s planning to opt out at the end of the month if not promoted”
Paul DeJong gave the Yankees notice he’s planning to opt out at the end of the month if not promoted
GettyWashington Nationals Paul DeJong during a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Nationals Park in Washington, DC on April 8, 2025.
DeJong spent the first six and a half seasons of his career playing for the St. Louis Cardinals.
He made the MLB All-Star Game in 2019.
Since his run with the Cardinals, DeJong has had short stints with the Chicago White Sox, Washington Nationals, Kansas City Royals, San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays.
At 32, DeJong is the perfect veteran to add to a contending team’s bench.
Over 925 career games, he is batting .229 with 723 hits, 146 home runs, 423 RBI’s, 413 runs and 29 stolen bases.
Gary Phillips of NY Daily News Sports wrote (on April 27): “Paul DeJong is hitting .213 with 6 HR and a .900 OPS at Triple-A. The veteran RHH IF never really had a shot at cracking the #Yankees’ big league roster this spring. Barring new injuries, his path won’t get any easier with Anthony Volpe on the mend.”
GettyPaul DeJong #18 of the New York Yankees poses for a photo during New York Yankees Photo Day at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 17, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
GettyAustin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during Game Two of the Division Series at Truist Park on October 09, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Riley (who is 29) had made two straight All-Star Games in 2022 and 2023.
This season, he is batting just .190 with 23 hits, three home runs, 17 RBI’s and 15 runs in 32 games.
Even with him slumping, the Braves still remain at the top of the National League East with a 22-9 record.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years. He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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