Former Yankees Utilityman Signs Deal With Blue Jays
There is a reset going on with the New York Yankees’ roster this offseason. After a disappointing year that saw them finish two games above .500 and fourth in the AL East, it would have been unacceptable to not retool things heading into 2024. The Yankees made a major splash when acquiring Juan Soto and continue to be aggressively looking to add in free agency. When bringing in new players, others on the roster normally need to find new homes. That’s the situation for New York’s former utilityman, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who became a free agent following the 2023 season.
According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the 28-year-old infielder/outfielder has signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the Yankees’ division rival, Toronto Blue Jays. Kiner-Falefa was acquired via trade with the Minnesota Twins in 2022 that also brought third baseman Josh Donaldson and catcher Ben Rortvedt to New York in exchange for Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela. The versatile defender spent two seasons with the Yankees, slashing .253/.311/.333 with 10 home runs and 85 RBI. He also played in 255 out of 324 games, being a regular in the lineup.
Unfortunately, his bat never produced at a high enough level that provided value long-term. Kiner-Falefa’s OPS+ of 81 is 19 percentage points below the average MLB hitter. After being New York’s starting shortstop in 2022, he lost the job to rookie Anthony Volpe prior to 2023 and was turned into a utilityman. Now, the former Yankee will continue to play his professional career with the Blue Jays, staying in the AL East division.
