The San Francisco Giants helped out the New York Yankees this past week, acquiring All-Star hitter and Yankees’ killer Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox. It now appears that both teams will reportedly be competing for a trade target.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today wrote that the Giants and Yankees are “keeping a close eye on” Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
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Previously, reports emerged that the Pirates will be active sellers at the trade deadline with a very short list of unavailable. Given Kiner-Falefa is on an expiring contract, he’ll almost certainly be among the veterans available at the MLB trade deadline.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa stats (ESPN): .280/.325/.349, .673 OPS, 17 RBI, 9 steals in 218 at-bats
Kiner-Falefa would fill different roles for the two clubs. Entering MLB games today Yankees’ third basemen rank 22nd in wRC+ (80), 23rd in OPS (.629) and 25th in batting average (.216). From 2022-’23 with New York, Kiner Falefa earned a 2.9 bWAR and played center field (41 games), left field (37 games), third base (37 games) and shortstop (139 games).
While San Francisco would also value his versatility, he would fill a primary position of need. Heading into Sunday, the Giants’ second basemen ranked 27th in baseball in wRC+ (63) and OPS (.575), and 22nd in batting average (.222).
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Isiah Kiner-Falefa contract (Spotrac): $6.283 million salary in 2025
Kiner-Falefa has primarily played shortstop this season for Pittsburgh, but he did appear in 40 games at second base last year for the Toronto Blue Jays. Other clubs will likely be in the mix for the 30-year-old, especially given the affordability of his contract on an expiring deal.
NFL, MLB & college football writer for Sportsnaut. Graduated from San Diego State University with BA in Journalism, 2019. … More about Matt Johnson
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