All-Star infielder opts out of Yankees deal to become a free agent

All-Star infielder opts out of Yankees deal to become a free agent originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The New York Yankees are sitting atop the American League East.

With Aaron Judge and Ben Rice leading the pack, the offense is putting together a strong showing this year. The infield looks strong, with Amed Rosario being an . 828 OPS hitter in a nice surprise for the Yankees' offense.

Add in a few other solid infielders, and the Yankees aren't in dire need of upgrades in their infield. With such a crowded infield and the looming return of Anthony Volpe, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post , veteran infielder and All-Star Paul DeJong has decided to opt out of his deal with the Yankees to become a free agent. Paul DeJong elects free agency, leaves Yankees "Paul DeJong has opted out of his Yankees deal, and he becomes a free (agent) as of this afternoon," Heyman reports.

The Yankees losing DeJong wasn't a complete surprise, as the veteran journeyman infielder seemed likely to leave the organization with his opt-out, as he's currently sitting in the minor leagues. But now, he is hitting free agency and will get the chance to sign with a team's big-league club that needs infield depth due to injury or poor play. More : Aaron Judge makes baseball history never done before by Yankees player The 32-year-old veteran was an All-Star with the St.