Will Isiah Kiner-Falefa Return to his old position for the Yankees?
Opening day for the 2023 MLB season is just over a week away. With such little time left, the future for Isiah Kiner-Falefa and the Yankees is cloudy. He won’t be the starting shortstop, but could Kiner-Falefa return to the catcher position?
For the first time in four years, Kiner-Falefa will put on catcher gear in hopes to boost his versatility. He last suited up behind the plate in 2019, where he played 31 games as a catcher for the Texas Rangers. He told the New York Post that he only wants to contribute and win, no matter what happens.
“Whatever happens, happens,” Kiner-Falefa said Wednesday. “I just want to win. That’s all I’m worried about right now. I am ready for whatever I need to do.”
Via New York Post
Kiner-Falefa knows he won’t be the starting shortstop. Infielders Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe are the future of the Yankees’ middle infield, leaving Kiner-Falefa as the odd man out.
IKF is keeping his head up, however. He’s always been a versatile player and wants to continue to add to the list. He’s played second, short, catcher, and third base, where he won a gold glove in 2020. Kiner-Falefa wants to do it right, and says if he’s going to be versatile, might as well go all the way.
“If I’m gonna do this, I want to be the best utility player I can be. I don’t want to do it halfway.”
IKF to the New York Post
Catcher isn’t the only work he’s been getting during camp. Just last week, Kiner-Falefa picked up an outfielder glove and headed out to center field. Despite not playing the outfield since Double-A of 2017, he felt “very comfortable,” in the six innings he played against the Detroit Tigers.
With Harrison Bader’s oblique injury sidelining him for a few weeks, the Yankees could look to use Kiner-Falefa as a platoon outfielder.
While it seems like he’ll be the Yankees’ super-utility man, the trade rumors have risen. In early March, the Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers discussed a trade for Kiner-Falefa. As the season progresses, those discussions will certainly happen again.
For now, Kiner-Falefa is looking forward to helping the Yankees win as much as he can. Whether it’s catching, the outfield, or even pitching, he’s ready for anything.
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