The New York Yankees remain one of the best MLB teams in 2025 despite a recent skid that resulted in a 4-6 record in the last 10 games. With the MLB trade deadline nearing, there could be a familiar target on the club’s radar in July.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post writes that the Pittsburgh Pirates will likely trade Isiah Kiner-Falefa and he could be an option for New York. Of note, per Heyman, the Yankees showed interest in Kiner-Falefa last year.
- Isiah Kiner-Falefa stats (ESPN): .288/.333/.358, .692 OPS, 17 RBI, 9 steals in 212 at-bats
Kiner-Falefa, age 30, would provide New York with some infield depth. Heading into MLB games today, the veteran right-handed hitter has 62 appearances at shortstop and one start at third base. In 2024, Kiner-Falefa played 56 games at second base, 48 at third base and 43 at shortstop. He also appeared in left field (37 games) and center field (41 games) for the Yankees in 2023.
- Isiah Kiner-Falefa contract (Spotrac): $6.283 million salary in 2025
He’d be a relatively affordable depth piece to acquire, owed less than half of his salary, assuming he is moved near the MLB trade deadline on July 31. New York also knows he’d fit very well into the clubhouse and manager Aaron Boone would have added versatility to work with both for his lineups and late-game substitutions.
For now, nothing is imminent and it’s unlikely the Yankees will make any substantial trades until July. However, Kiner-Falefa is a name to watch considering the club’s interest in adding depth, especially cheap talent it can acquire and then focus on using its top prospects to pursue a starting pitcher.
