New York Yankees have a few players lying in the bullpen whose future with the club looks highly uncertain as the season commences.
The Bronx Bombers have been one of the most successful teams in Major League Baseball history. But their recent struggles have left fans scratching their heads. The team has failed to win a World Series title despite reaching the playoffs. Moreover, they are facing an uncertain future with two of their key players, Gleyber Torres and Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
Both Torres and Kiner-Falefa are sitting on one-year extension contracts to avoid arbitration. Their form since last season has slumped at an alarming rate. Hence, both of the players dominated the trade market this off-season. However, due to higher contract value, the Yankees could not find a suitable trade deal. With the 2023 MLB season approaching in a couple of weeks, what’s in store for Gleyber Torres and Isiah Kiner Falefa?
Gleyber Torres, Isiah Kiner-Falefa Struggling To Cement A Place In The Yankees Roster
New York Yankees baseman Gleyber Torres, who burst onto the scene in 2018 as a rookie, has been a disappointment over the past two seasons. Last season, he failed miserably at the shortstop and was hence demoted to second base. One of the biggest issues facing Torres is his defensive struggles. With the emergence of younger, more athletic shortstops like Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza, Torres’ future at the position in the main lineup is in question.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, on the other hand, arrived in the Bronx with a lot of expectation and hope. He was given the start as the shortstop but failed to channel the opportunity. Moreover, in this spring training, he has nearly lost the battle for the position of Oswald Peraza. Hence, Isiah could be on his way out before the opening day. A trading opportunity has opened up with the Dodgers, and the Yankees could capitalize if all things go well. The only thing that can save Isiah is his versatility. If he can play multiple roles in the infield as well as the outfield, he might hit the last shot.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa Concedes Defeat, Desperate For A Spot On The Lineup
Isiah Kiner-Falefa arrived at the New York Yankees’ spring training session to battle it out for the starting shortstop position. However, looks like Isiah has conceded defeat as his competitors, Anthony Volpe, and Oswald Peraza, are dominating the Grapefruit League. Hence, the shortstop candidate is desperate to find a place in the starting lineup and is ready to play at any given position.
Isiah, in an interview with the New York Post, said that he has a couple of opportunities to show the Yankees management that he can play at any position other than shortstop and prove his versatility. Furthermore, he acknowledges that the final power lies within the hand of the top brass, but he will make sure he makes a good case for himself before it’s too late.
“I’m looking at this opportunity to cement myself here,” said Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
