Yankees linked to surprising ex-player as trade deadline chatter grows
Yankees linked to surprising ex-player as trade deadline chatter grows originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As the trade market heats up, one name familiar with the New York Yankees is making the rounds: Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
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According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Pirates are likely to deal the former Yankees utilityman before the deadline. And given how much the Yankees valued his versatility during his two seasons in the Bronx, a reunion can't be ruled out, especially with the infield still unsettled.
With questions surrounding DJ LeMahieu's bat, Oswald Peraza's ceiling, and Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s fit at third, IKF could again represent exactly what the Yankees need: someone who can handle multiple positions and not crater the bottom third of the order.
Pittsburgh Pirates second base Isiah Kiner-Falefa participates in spring training workouts at Pirate City.Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
This time around, it wouldn't be about making IKF a starter. It would be about raising the floor. And frankly, that might be necessary in a year when depth is being tested nightly.
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Kiner-Falefa entered Thursday slashing .244/.304/.371 for the Pirates with six home runs and 20 RBIs in 64 games. He's played second, short, third, and even outfield. While not flashy, he's reliable, and he knows what it means to handle the pressure of New York.
Heyman also noted the Pirates could be one of the more active sellers at the deadline. They aren't moving ace Paul Skenes, but Andrew Heaney is likely to be dealt. And depending on how far they're willing to go, names like Mitch Keller and Ke'Bryan Hayes could enter the conversation.
For the Yankees, they all are interesting, but a low-cost, familiar fit like Kiner-Falefa might make the most sense.
And this time, expectations would be more aligned with reality.
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Related: Clint Frazier's Favorite Clubhouse Wasn't in the Bronx
Related: Max Fried Reveals Which Yankees Star Made Him Nervous
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
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