Yankees’ Isiah Kiner-Falefa may draw interest as free agent in offseason

MIAMI — Isiah Kiner-Falefa has been stable all around the filth and playable within the outfield for the Yankees, however he could be finest geared up to play third base.

Kiner-Falefa mentioned he feels most comfy wherever across the infield, although he may need discovered his true main league calling as a participant and not using a place.

The first shortstop from the 2022 season, he has taken effectively to a utility position by which he has performed each place besides first base and catcher (which he sometimes performed earlier in his profession).

In a number of months, Kiner-Falefa will head into free company off a powerful season by which he has flexed his flexibility.

He mentioned he’s “open to the whole lot,” so a group that has a necessity at third base or shortstop or in an outfield spot might come calling, however he believes he shall be finest valued as a positional nomad.

What is going to matter extra to him would be the membership’s scenario, slightly than his defensive place.

“I’m pleased wherever so long as I get a chance to play and simply be on a successful group,” Kiner-Falefa mentioned Saturday earlier than the Yankees lost to the Marlins, 3-1, at loanDepot Park. “I believe that’s the largest factor, going by means of a [season with a Rangers] group that misplaced 100 video games in 2021. I don’t actually need to be part of that. I need to be on a successful group.”

Kiner-Falefa’s groups didn’t have a successful season by means of his 4 years with the Rangers earlier than he was traded to the Twins, then to the Yankees the following day in March 2022.

He has a subpar first season in The Bronx, with each the glove and bat, however got here again this season as a do-everything choice who appears extra comfy in all places.

He would possibly look probably the most comfy at third base, beginning 4 straight video games there by means of Saturday with DJ LeMahieu nursing a calf harm.

Kiner-Falefa regarded pure sprinting Friday on a delicate grounder from Luis Arraez, fielding and throwing a dart off-balance for an out.

“I believe he’s one of the best within the league [at third],” mentioned the Yankees’ new shortstop, rookie Anthony Volpe.

“That’s what I did in Texas,” Kiner-Falefa, who received a Gold Glove at third base within the shortened 2020 season, mentioned with a smile. “Really feel like Yankees followers didn’t see that, however that’s what I do.”

What he has additionally executed this season is hit.

The normal contact hitter has swung tougher this 12 months and carries a .690 OPS (up from .642 final 12 months), a bit above-average after a poor April.

He was the one Yankee to knock in a run in opposition to Sandy Alcantara on Saturday, swatting an RBI single into proper discipline within the seventh inning.

If he can provide a roughly league-average bat and a glove able to taking part in wherever, he would have plenty of groups .

It’s potential the Yankees can be amongst them.

“I find it irresistible right here,” Kiner-Falefa mentioned, “and would need to keep for certain.”