There isn’t much to take away from the New York Yankees’ miserable 2023 MLB season. Apart from Gerrit Cole’s brilliance on the mound and Aaron Judge’s first-half explosion, the Yanks have stayed under the weather for the majority of the season. After all, the team is seated at the bottom of the AL-East in August for a reason.
Having said that, a few players did manage to stand out and put in average numbers. Gleyber Torres has been consistent and hence escaped the trade deadline. Moreover, relievers such as Michael King and Ian Hamilton made the Yanks’ bullpen the best in the league. However, if asked about the Yankee’s most impressive player of the season, it’s neither of the above-mentioned names.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa Has Been The Yankees Standout Player This Season
Traditional infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa was traded to the New York Yankees in 2022. However, he failed to create a connection with the fans owing to miscues at the shortstop position. Moreover, during this season’s spring training, he lost his shortstop job to prospect Anthony Volpe. His roster spot was seemingly under threat. That is when IKF made a bold decision that could have made or broken his career. The infielder decided to transform into a utility player. As they say, fortunes favor the brave, and the risk worked well for IFK. This season, he has played every position except first base and catcher. The utility player also pitched in four games wherein he allowed just one run on four hits.
Speaking of offensive numbers, Isiah Kiner-Falefa has hit .254 with six home runs, 31 RBIs, and .698 OPS in 89 games. While it is nothing extraordinary, the performance is still better than a lot of notable veteran Yankee names. Isiah has shown a lot of courage and resilience this season. He survived the trade risk not once but twice. The newly transformed utility player has time and again proved how important it is for him to don the pinstripes. Meanwhile, at the conclusion of the ongoing season, IFK will become a free agent. It’s in the Yankee’s best interest to extend his stay in the Bronx for at least a couple of years. His versatility and winning attitude will only benefit the club in the long run.
IFK Apparently Screamed After Escaping Trade Deadline
Prior to the August 1 trade deadline, Isiah Kiner-Falefa‘s name started floating around the rumor market. A news report claimed that the Yankees had put impending agents like IKF for sale. However, Brian Cashman faced opposition from owner Hal Steinbrenner as the latter refused to authorize selling. Hence, the general manager had to stand down and ended up buying instead.
Meanwhile, Isiah Kiner-Falefa was nervous during the final minutes of the trade deadline. He constantly gazed at his phone and prayed for it not to ring. At the stroke of 6. pm, IFK knew he had survived the trade deadline and screamed in joy. Speaking to the reporters, the Yankees utility player said that it means a lot to him to represent New York at the center stage, and he is grateful for being still referred to as a Yankee.