Detroit could add another former Yankees infielder as trade deadline approaches
The Tigers don't need a superstar. They need a solution.
Detroit's issues on the left side of the infield have been tough to ignore and according to ESPN's Bradford Doolittle, the answer might be a low-profile, high-utility veteran. In a recent deadline preview, Doolittle pegged Pirates infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa as a sensible target to stabilize shortstop or third base.
Advertisement
'A lower-profile move that would really help would be to target a shortstop like Isiah Kiner-Falefa,' Doolittle wrote. 'Whose bat actually improves what Detroit has gotten from the position just in terms of raw production.'
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa records an out at second base and throws to throws to first against the Kansas City Royals at PNC Park on Sept. 13, 2024.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
It's a fair point.
Kiner-Falefa isn't lighting up leaderboards. The Pirates infielder entered July hitting .276 with a .668 OPS—but he's still outpacing the Tigers' current infield output.
More importantly, he brings versatility, experience, and strong defensive instincts. Now in his eighth season, the 30-year-old has logged innings at short, third, second, and even catcher. He's a former Gold Glove winner with postseason experience, and he rarely looks overwhelmed, no matter the assignment.
Advertisement
He is also a former Yankees shortstop, which means he has playoff experience and doesn't get overwhelmed on the big stage. And the Tigers have had some success with former Yankees infielder with Gleyber Torres having a breakout year.
For a team like Detroit, that matters.
While the Tigers could chase a bigger name, the shortstop market isn't exactly overflowing. If more aggressive options fall through, Kiner-Falefa would still provide immediate, reliable help. He's a plug-and-play piece—someone who could stabilize the left side now and slide into a utility role later.
It's not the kind of move that grabs headlines, but it's a solid upgrade. For a Tigers team running away with AL Central and focusing on the playoffs it's exactly the kind of steadying move that makes a difference in October.
Advertisement
Related: MLB Recognizes Tigers Tarik Skubal's Nasty Week
Related: Is This Power Hitter the Missing Piece for Detroit's Postseason Push?
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Treylon Burks being evaluated after injuring shoulder in practice
Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks said recently that he hopes to stay healthy so he can show what he's capable of doing on the field, but that plan has hit a snag. Head coach Brian Callahan told reporters on Saturday that Burks is being evaluated for a shoulder injury. Burks left the team's practice at Nissan Stadium after making a diving catch. Callahan said the team will update the wideout's condition when they have more information. Burks is returning from a torn ACL that limited him to five games last season. The 2022 first-round pick also missed 12 games over his first two NFL seasons, so the team has plenty of experience playing without him over the last three years. UPDATE 2:50 p.m. ET: NFL Media reports Burks fractured his collarbone.
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Report: Treylon Burks fractured his collarbone
Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks injured his shoulder during Saturday's practice at Nissan Stadium and the initial report about his condition suggests he's going to miss time with the injury. NFL Media reports that Burks fractured his collarbone while making a catch during the workout. The wideout is still undergoing tests to determine the severity of the injury and establish a timeline for recovery, but the report says he is expected to miss the start of the regular season at the very least. It's an unfortunate and familiar predicament for Burks. The 2022 first-round pick missed 12 games over his first two seasons and he missed the final 12 games of the 2024 season after tearing his ACL. Burks has 53 catches for 699 yards and a touchdown when he has been healthy enough to play. Calvin Ridley, Van Jefferson, and Tyler Lockett are joined by fourth-round picks Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike in the Titans' receiving corps. The Burks injury could help undrafted rookie Xavier Restrepo's chances of sticking with college teammate Cam Ward through the cut to 53 players.
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Ravens' training camp report: Live updates from Practice No. 3 in 2025
Welcome to the third day of training camp for the 2025 Baltimore Ravens. John Harbaugh's team is headed back on the field on Saturday for the third practice to open training camp. Baltimore was on the field for roughly 60 minutes of spirited competition. Follow along for live updates from the Under Armour Performance Center. This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Sights and sounds from Day 3 of Ravens' training camp practice