It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Yankees shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa had a below-average season in 2022. After the Houston Astros defeated the New York Yankees in the ALCS, the ineffective infielders became the target of the ire of Yankee supporters. There were some doubts about whether the Yankees would tender Kiner-Falefa before the deadline. The organization has chosen to continue its relationship with the shortstop for another year, though.
The Yankees Sign One-Year Deal With Isiah Kiner-Falefa!
Isiah Kiner-Falefa was traded to the Yankees from the Minnesota Twins before the 2017 campaign, along with Josh Donaldson. When it came to defense in 2022, Kiner-Falefa was frequently a liability and was benched during the postseason. The Yankees acquired the 27-year-old from the Twins in the Josh Donaldson and Gary Sánchez trade this spring. He hit.261/.314/.327 in his debut season in pinstripes.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who had a hit-and-miss debut season with the Yankees, avoided going to arbitration by agreeing to a $6 million agreement with the organization for the upcoming campaign, a source said on Friday. Industry rumors suggested that the Yankees might not tender Kiner-Falefa, although that would have been unexpected. In the first three games of the ALCS, the Yankees utilized three different starting shortstops. This led to concerns about Kiner-Falefa\’s position in 2023.
With $4.7 million in earnings this past season, the 27-year-old Kiner-Falefa was reportedly a non-tender possibility. Prior to being benched during the postseason, he was the regular shortstop for the Yankees. Kiner-Falefa will make $6 million on the new contract for the upcoming season.
The right-handed batter slashed in 531 plate appearances throughout his 27-year-old season. With four home runs, 48 RBI, 35 walks, and 66 runs scored, a slash line of 261/.314/.327 is also acceptable. Additionally, he whiffed 72 times. Kiner-22 Falefa\’s base steals in 26 tries, which is the highest of any season\’s stolen bases for him, helped him join the 20/20 club for the second consecutive year. IKF has played in 534 games over five seasons with 20 home runs, 79 doubles, nine triples, 166 RBI, and 60 steals. His lifetime batting average is.264, with a.663 on-base percentage.
The Yankees have been shopping Gleyber Torres since the end of the previous campaign, and Kiner-Falefa might yet be dealt. After a strong season at the plate and at second base, Torres is predicted to make close to $10 million in arbitration. Cabrera demonstrated his ability to play both the corner outfield positions and the infield, making Kiner-Falefa an expensive backup infielder. The Yankees also reached an agreement with right-handed pitcher Lou Trivino. After being acquired in the same transaction that brought Frankie Montas from Oakland, he threw successfully out of the bullpen.