Aaron Boone looks on before a game against the Mariners.
Though the New York Yankees have been able to seize a lead in the AL East — and hold on to it through a recent slump — the team is still expected to make some moves ahead of the trade deadline to shore up the roster.
While the Yankees may not pull off any blockbuster deals, one insider suggests that the team could bring back a steady infielder who can add versatility to the lineup and some pop at the plate.
Yankees Bring Back Gold Glover in Trade Proposal
In a mailbag published on June 19, SNY reporter Andy Martino broke down the team’s needs ahead of the trade deadline. He noted that the Yankees are looking for another infielder, with a former Bronx Bomber at the top of the list.
“The Yankees continue to look for a righty bat, likely an infielder. It’s too early to do anything but speculate on specific names but Isiah Kiner-Falefa could fit the bill,” Martino wrote.
After spending the first four seasons of his MLB career with the Texas Rangers, Kiner-Falefa played for the Yankees in 2022 and 2023. He was a steady infielder but also saw significant time in the outfield in his second season.
Kiner-Falefa is in the final season of his two-year, $15 million deal that he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays before being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He is seen as a likely trade option for the rebuilding Pirates as the MLB deadline approaches.
Other insiders see Kiner-Falefa as a strong fit for the Yankees this season. Former New York Mets general manager Zach Scott told SNY earlier this month that he believes Kiner-Falefa’s versatility in the field and right-handed hitting would be big assets to the Yankees’ lineup.
“I took a look at the potential market,” Scott said.
“It doesn’t look great. Maybe third base is a little better than second, but the guy that I kept coming back to is IKF with Pittsburgh (Pirates). Maybe coming back to the Yankees, he could fit. He’s having a good season.”
Other Options for the Yankees
Martino suggested the Yankees could look into other options, including Colorado Rockies infielder Ryan McMahon, who is hitting .225 with 11 home runs and 24 RBIs this season. Martino suggested that McMahon would give the Yankees the versatility to unlock Jazz Chisholm’s full potential.
“They could also trade for a third baseman like the lefty-hitting Ryan McMahon and move Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base,” Martino wrote.
“By shifting Chisholm to third earlier in the season, the Yanks now have the option to use him at either of those positions, depending on who they acquire. They gained that flexibility by getting him those reps sooner than later.”
While the Yankees could also look for some pitching help, Martino noted that the team is “still in solid shape with Luke Weaver (expected to return Friday) and Devin Williams.” The Yankees will also be getting reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil back soon from a back injury suffered before the start of the season.
