New York Yankees have reportedly looked into every available option for the 2023 shortstop role: "Yankees have explored ways to trade Kiner-Falefa"
The New York Yankees traded for Isiah Kiner-Falefa last offseason, hoping his defense and contact ability would reshape their infield and lineup. A year later, they're already looking at other options.
Kiner-Falefa wasn't a terrible player, but he didn't provide much value. He posted a 1.1 fWAR and a disappointing 85 wRC+. On defense, however, he was quite good with 10 defensive runs saved.
Nevertheless, the Yankees are hoping to get more value out of their premium position and it doesn't look like they expect that from incumbent Kiner-Falefa.
Brendan Kuty and Chris Kirshner said via Yardbarker:
"Kiner-Falefa and fellow top prospect Anthony Volpe will be in the mix in February through March, but the Yankees have explored ways to trade Kiner-Falefa. The same can’t be said for the youngsters."
The Yankees have Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza, who played shortstop for the team down the stretch and in the postseason. They also have top prospect Anthony Volpe, MLB's fifth-ranked minor leaguer, waiting to burst onto the scene.
There's just not a lot of room for a one-win player who provides nothing offensively, so the Yankees are trying to trade him off and make room for one of their younger players.
Who will play shortstop for the New York Yankees in 2023?
There's not a lot of trade value for a negative offensive player with great defense coming off a less than encouraging season. Some teams might be interested, but they won't give the New York Yankees too much in return.
That likely means that Isiah Kiner-Falefa will be the Opening Day shortstop. However, Peraza, Cabrera (if he doesn't move to left field every day) and Volpe make it hard to imagine Kiner-Falefa staying there for very long.
Volpe might have a terrific spring and win the job. Peraza proved he can handle it and could replace Kiner-Falefa as soon as he falters. Cabrera will get time there and everywhere else this season.
The Yankees may be forced to bite the bullet and take a low return on Kiner-Falefa just so they can move him, but he will not be long for the team in all likelihood.