White Sox shortstop Paul DeJong expects to be traded: 'I want to play well so that my value is high and I get a chance to go and play on a good playoff team'

(670 The Score) The White Sox’s 11-game losing streak and MLB-worst 15-45 record are wearing on their players, but veterans like shortstop Paul DeJong understood what they signed up for when they joined the club in the offseason.

DeJong knows he's going to be a trade chip ahead of the deadline on July 30, as he acknowledged on Inside the Clubhouse on 670 The Score on Saturday.

“Going through that last year, going into my free agent year with the Cardinals, playing pretty well and getting traded, that was a huge shock for me as far just the process of it,” DeJong said. “And then going to another team, the Giants after that, I think that gave me a ton of learning and experience when it comes to that. So this time around, I'm understanding of where I'm at in my career, where this team is at. It's almost something that Tommy (Pham) and I are expecting by the trade deadline."

The 30-year-old DeJong is hitting .231 with a team-high nine homers, 20 RBIs and a .726 OPS in 54 games this season. He believes he can help another team in the playoff race when the time comes.

"I want to play well before that (deadline) so that my value is high and I get a chance to go and play on a good playoff team,” DeJong said. “And I also want the White Sox to be able to get something in return. I care about the people here, and I really have enjoyed myself with the White Sox and Chicago is a special place for me. I think works both ways. I think we both can profit from each other, and I'm just thankful to have these opportunities to play for the White Sox, stay in the big leagues and perform, try to do my best and get a chance to play every day is a great honor for me and something I don't take lightly. Day by day, I just want to put together a nice season. And whatever happens, I'll be ready for it.”

For now, DeJong’s focus is on performing well and being a good teammate.

“I want to be there each day for my teammates,” he said. “The (rebuild) will happen when it does happen. We need to try and play great baseball every day. There are no secrets. It's all about discipline and focus. And it's all will to win, wanting to be here and make an impact. I am just excited about the future to see what happens.”

DeJong maintains that the White Sox’s clubhouse cohesiveness has been strong despite the team’s prolonged struggles.

“Our chemistry has always been good,” he said. “That type of belief in each other will carry us when we get out of this. For us as a group, the important thing is to continue our preparation to win. We are here for a purpose. I know teams are circling us on the calendar and thinking they can roll all over us. We have to be stronger than that. We need to play up to our potential. Something has to shift.”

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine .