New York Yankees has an opportunity to trade the underperforming shortstop Isiah Kiner Falefa to the Dodgers.
The New York Yankees are currently assembled in Tampa, Florida, for spring training. So far, they have played five games, out of which they won three and lost two. Further, the regular players are missing in action so far and are expected to arrive shortly. As per recent rumors, the management wants to hold back the injury-prone players and limit their game time to keep them healthy for the regular season.
Meanwhile, spring training has become an audition hall for the New York Yankees. They have multiple holes left to fill in the starting roster. Hence, the front office called in all roster as well as non-roster players to spring training to hold auditions for the same. The one hot spot on the roster is that of the starting roster. Three players, Anthony Volpe, Oswald Peraza, and Isiah Kiner Falefa, are fighting for the spot.
Is It The End Of The Road For Isiah Kiner Falefa With The Yankees?
Isiah Kiner-Falefa arrived in New York last year along with Josh Donaldson and Ben Rortvedt in a trade package. However, his form got lost in transit. Last season, Isiah made 142 game appearances as a starting shortstop and batted .261 with 4 home runs and 48 RBIs. His form slump was met with intense criticism from the fans and the experts. Moreover, fans expected the Yankees to trade Isiah in the off-season. However, due to the high contract value, they could not find a substantial partner.
Meanwhile, a trade opportunity has opened up for the Yankees to trade Isiah Kiner Falefa before the regular season opening day. During a spring training game, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Gavin Lux injured his knee and had to be dragged off the field in a cart. Moreover, rumors have it that Gavin could be out of action for a long time this season. Hence, the Dodgers will miss the services of a shortstop. Further, Gavin’s injury comes as a blessing in disguise for the Yankees, who could offer Isiah to the Dodgers in a trade. While these are just conjectures for the moment, we will have a clear picture in a week or two.
Anthony Volpe Dazzles In Spring Training Debut
Trouble is mounting from all ends for Isiah Kiner Falefa. While the trade rumors are rife, Isiah faces intense pressure after his shortstop competitor, Anthony Volpe, shines in spring training. Volpe had a dream debut and scored his first runs. Further, the shortstop displayed impressive game sense to steal runs and bases. The Yankees’ top brass and senior player are extremely happy with Volpe’s recent performance.
On the other hand, Aaron Boone had shown his biases towards Oswald Peraza in the past. With Anthony Volpe emerging at the top, Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s has gone further down the barrel. However, the one thing which is working in Isiah’s favor is his major-league experience. Both Peraza and Volpe are minor-league prospects with too little experience. Hence, if the trade deal falls apart and Isiah magically shines in spring training, he could make the cut as the starting shortstop of the Yankees rosters this season.
