Isiah Kiner-Falefa was not the ideal shortstop the Yankees were looking for. His 2-year shortstop run in the Bronx was perhaps the worst by any SS after the Derek Jeter era ended in 2014. The former Yankee even admitted his failure at the Yanks. “I felt like I waited my whole life to play shortstop for the Yankees, and I wasn’t able to do the job,” Kiner-Falefa said in 2023. 10 homers with a batting average of just .266 during his two years as a SS were screaming his poor run. And after those three defensive miscues in the 2022 postseason game against the Guardians, there was no way Aaron Boone was going to start him at shortstop. But this was not the end of IKF’s Yankees journey.

Come the 2023 season, the Yankees’ manager started playing Kiner-Falefa as a utility player. Surprisingly, this move worked not only for IKF but also for the Yanks, who had given the shortstop position to Anthony Vople. Skipper Boone even went on to praise his former shortstop for all the sacrifices he made as a utility man. “You get character reveals all the time from people in this game. It reveals itself. What it has revealed is a guy who wants to go out and be part of a team, be a part of a winning team, and be part of it here!” – Aaron Boone said at the time. But since the Yankees already had Oswaldo Cabrera on their roster, they had to let IKF go to the Pirates in a July 2024 trade.

Now, a year later, when the Yankees are coming off a 6-game losing streak before their Orioles series, the Bronx Bombers are linked to reuniting with the same utility man. After losing Oswaldo Cabrera, who played as a utility player, to a season-ending injury, Aaron Boone will not hesitate to reunite with the former Yankee.

As per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, “The New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants are keeping a close eye on versatile Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who should be available at the trade deadline.” This move would make sense for both the Pirates and Bombers since Pittsburgh is keen on moving on from IKF before the trade deadline.

With the Pirates, Kiner-Falefa has gone at an average of .275 with a .319 OBP and a .661 OPS this season. It is reasonable to argue that his ability to play a variety of positions sets him apart. The Yankees have been looking for defensive assistance lately, with the mounting injury list, and IKF could provide the desired depth. The utility player spot is vacant anyway, so chances are high of a probable reunion.

But mind you, the New York Yankees are not the only team eyeing Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

San Francisco Giants are also in the hunt for Isiah Kiner-Falefa

The San Francisco Giants have enough starting pitching options, along with an elite bullpen and a good number of hitters, to make it to the playoffs. However, they are in need of strengthening their infield. Who better than Isiah Kiner-Falefa? His ability to play in several infield positions remains his significant asset.

The Giants’ infield depth is getting crowded. The recent acquisition of Rafael Devers means he will eventually play first base. Matt Chapman, their third baseman, is recovering from a hand sprain. His replacement, Casey Schmitt, has been playing so well that the team might manage without Chapman for now. However, adding a player like IKF would further bolster their depth, likely sending Christian Koss or Brett Wisely to the minors.

Kiner-Falefa would be a rental player for any new team, as his two-year, $15 million contract, signed with the Blue Jays before the 2024 season, expires this year. Who do you think will eventually get him – the Yankees or the Giants?