Yankees reportedly eye ex-utility star, but where does he fit?

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NEW YORK — As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the New York Yankees are reportedly eyeing a familiar name to bolster their infield depth: Isiah Kiner-Falefa. The former Yankees utility man, now with the Pittsburgh Pirates, is drawing attention from multiple contenders — including New York and the San Francisco Giants — as a reliable, cost-effective trade option. But with the current makeup of the Yankees’ roster, the bigger question isn’t whether he fits — it’s where.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, both the Yankees and Giants have been keeping a close watch on the 30-year-old infielder, who is in the final season of a two-year, $15 million deal. While not a flashy addition, Kiner-Falefa offers exactly what many playoff-bound teams crave at this stage of the season: veteran experience, defensive versatility, and clubhouse familiarity.

Why Kiner-Falefa is put on Yankees’ radar — again

Kiner-Falefa is no stranger to the Bronx. He played in 261 (255 regular + 6 playoffs) games for the Yankees from 2022 to 2023, logging significant time at shortstop, third base, second base, and even center field. Though he was originally acquired to be a stopgap shortstop, his ultimate value came as a utility weapon — and it’s that versatility that may now bring him back.

Now with the struggling Pirates, IKF is slashing .275/.319/.342 with a .662 OPS, 17 RBIs, and 9 stolen bases through 222 at-bats. Though his bat has cooled recently — posting a sub-.400 OPS over his last 10 games — his glove and flexibility still make him a logical deadline target.

“He’s not the guy who’s going to carry you offensively,” one American League scout told Pinstripes Nation. “But if you’re a contender, he can plug multiple holes without hurting you.”

A familiar fit at a familiar time

The Yankees’ interest comes at a critical moment. Despite sitting atop the AL East at 45–32, New York holds just a 2.5-game lead over the surging Tampa Bay Rays. The AL East remains baseball’s tightest division — with the last-place Orioles still just 11 games back — and every small upgrade could be decisive.

Meanwhile, third base has quietly become one of the team’s soft spots. Yankees third basemen currently rank:

• 23rd in MLB in OPS (.629)
• 22nd in wRC+ (80)
• 25th in batting average (.216)

With DJ LeMahieu struggling to regain full form and Oswald Peraza failing to seize a consistent role, Kiner-Falefa could step into a depth role that provides both insurance and late-inning flexibility.

Financial considerations and Yankees roster math

From a salary standpoint, Kiner-Falefa is relatively affordable — but not free. He’s owed a little over $4 million for the remainder of the 2025 season. With the Yankees already above the second luxury tax threshold, any added salary would be taxed at 110%, meaning IKF would effectively cost closer to $8.4 million in total financial outlay.

Still, insiders suggest that the Yankees may prioritize flexibility over dollars at this point in the season, especially given the health histories and age of several key players, including LeMahieu, Giancarlo Stanton, and Paul Goldschmidt.

Where would he play?

Kiner-Falefa’s appeal is rooted in his ability to play virtually anywhere. In 2024 alone, he appeared in:

• 56 games at second base
• 48 at third base
• 43 at shortstop

In his Yankees tenure, he even logged 37 games in left field and 41 in center, giving Aaron Boone a chess piece he can move around depending on matchups or late-game needs.

But does he fit into this year’s equation?

That depends on several factors:

If Jazz Chisholm Jr. is shifted permanently to second base, IKF could act as a depth piece behind third base or shortstop.

If Ben Rice is leaned on more at first base/DH, IKF could be rotated into the infield mix to protect against fatigue or injury.

Should the Yankees pursue a bigger name at third base — something they’ve reportedly considered — IKF could still act as a cost-effective bench upgrade.

A reunion that makes sense?

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported last week that the Pirates are likely to move Kiner-Falefa before the July 31 trade deadline. He also noted the Yankees had shown interest as recently as last season. Nothing is imminent, but as the deadline nears, IKF stands out as a low-risk, high-utility pickup.

“He’s the type of player who fits a need you don’t know you’ll have yet,” said former Mets GM Zack Scott in an SNY appearance earlier this month. “He’s a good clubhouse guy. He knows New York. He won’t get in the way, and he won’t let you down.”

The San Francisco Giants, fresh off their headline-making deal for Rafael Devers, are also in pursuit. Sitting just 3.5 games behind the Dodgers, San Francisco is aggressively retooling for October and views Kiner-Falefa as a bench stabilizer.

Their depth is similar to New York’s — strong on paper, but vulnerable to one injury or slump. If the Yankees hesitate, they could easily lose out on a player they once relied on.

Kiner-Falefa won’t move the betting odds or drive jersey sales. But in a 162-game season where depth and versatility often decide postseason hopes, his value is real.

Whether or not Brian Cashman pulls the trigger, the Yankees’ interest in a reunion says plenty about how they’re preparing for what’s ahead — not just for stars, but for the glue guys who help teams survive the stretch.

What do you think?

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