The New York Yankees may be looking for infielders at the MLB trade deadline, and might have their eyes on a former Yankee playing on the Pittsburgh Pirates right now.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa played for the Yankees from 2022-2023. He hit .253 with a .643 OPS in 255 games for the Yankees, but his biggest asset was his glove. This season, he is slashing .280/.325/.349. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale linked the Yankees to him as the trade deadline nears.
“The New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants are keeping a close eye on versatile Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who should be available at the trade deadline,” wrote Nightengale.
Kiner-Falefa is having a better year at the plate than he did for the Yankees. He could be an option for the team in the infield and represent an upgrade over players like DJ LeMahieu and Oswald Peraza right now. Kiner-Falefa’s arrival could move Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base, where he is a better defender.
With Chisholm at second base and Kiner-Falefa at third base, LeMahieu would go to the bench. If the Yankees do not view Kiner-Falefa as a starter, he could serve as a way for Aaron Boone to have a rotation in the infield. Regardless of how the Yankees would use him, he would be a better option than some of their current infielders.
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He will be a free agent after the season, and the Pirates are set up to be sellers at the trade deadline. The Yankees are slumping right now and have seen their infield defense struggle. Adding Kiner-Falefa could help them maintain their American League East lead, and he would be a relatively cheap addition.
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