Isiah Kiner-Falefa made a career-changing decision this season just to retain his spot in the New York Yankees’ major league roster. Prior to the start of the season, his roster spot was in danger due to extreme competition from infield prospects. Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza robbed him of his shortstop position during spring training which put IKF on backfoot.
However, Kiner-Falefa did not lose hope. He seemingly transformed into a utility player and played in the outfield on multiple occasions. The trick worked as IKF avoided getting traded away during the off-season. However, as the mid-season trade deadline approached, the infielder-turned-utility player once again found himself amid trade speculations.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa Relieved To Have Successfully Escaped Trade Deadline
Newly transformed utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa has had an average season so far with the New York Yankees. In 82 games, he has hit .259, with five home runs, 28 RBIs, and .698 OPS. Recently, IKF, along with other Yankee hitters, witnessed an offensive slump just in time for the trade deadline. Just a couple of days prior to the deadline, news surfaced that Bronx Bombers have put up impending free agents, including IKF, up for sale. When the final hours of the trade deadline arrived, Kiner-Falefa’s phone remained silent. No calls came in to inform him of a trade. Instead, the deadline passed, and he was still a Yankee. The joy and relief he felt was immeasurable.
Playing for the Yankees means a lot for Isiah Kiner-Falefa. He has given his everything and made his best efforts to be somehow useful to the club. Naturally, the emotions ran high when the trade deadline closed down. IKF revealed that he screamed in joy and felt fortunate to be still called a “Yankee.” His words reverberated with genuine happiness and gratitude. The emotions of the trade deadline had been overwhelming. Hence, the relief of staying with the team he loved was a profound moment for him. The 2023 season had been a challenging one for the Yanks. But Kiner-Falefa’s unwavering commitment and leadership had provided a beacon of hope for the team’s future. His love for the game and the Yankee organization shone brightly as he expressed his happiness in remaining with the team.
Yankees DFA’d OF Willie Calhoun Rejects Demotion, Elects Free Agency
Outfielder Willie Calhoun signed with the New York Yankees prior to the 2023 MLB season. He initially signed a minor league deal but received a promotion in early April. However, an injury led to weeks of absence which shunted the outfielder’s growth. Last week, the Yanks designed Calhoun for an assignment immediately after reinstating him from the injury list.
Later, the Yankees offered him a minor league stint with Triple-A, which the outfielder seemingly rejected. Instead, he chose to elect free agency. In 44 games, Willie Calhoun had hit .239 with five home runs, 16 RBIs, and .712 OPS before suffering from a strain injury. Calhoun was once a top prospect but struggled with consistency throughout his career. It remains to be seen where he eventually ends up.
