Inside The Pinstripes

Isiah Kiner-Falefa Signs One-Year Deal to Stay With Yankees

There's still a chance that Kiner-Falefa is dealt to another team before Opening Day.

Max Goodman

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Isiah Kiner-Falefa and the Yankees have agreed to a one-year deal worth $6 million for the 2023 season, the team confirmed on Friday afternoon.

Kiner-Falefa, who was eligible for salary arbitration, was a candidate to be non-tendered by New York ahead of Friday's 8 p.m. ET deadline.

Kiner-Falefa was often a liability on defense in 2022, ending up on the bench in the postseason. The 27-year-old, acquired from the Twins this past spring in the Josh Donaldson and Gary Sánchez trade, hit .261/.314/.327 during his first season in pinstripes. 

With top prospects Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza ready to take over at the position, New York could part ways with the shortstop this winter. They could also keep him on this new contract, using him as a versatile backup on the infield. Kiner-Falefa won a Gold Glove at third base with the Rangers during the pandemic-shortened season in 2020.

Both Yankees manager Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman used the word "competition" when answering questions about the shortstop position during their end-of-season pressers earlier this month. That could involve Kiner-Falefa—Boone previously said he "can be" the starting shortstop in pinstripes next season. The Yankees can also try to flip "IKF" into an arm for their pitching staff, trading the contact hitter to a club desperate for a shortstop.

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Yankees for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. Goodman has been on the Yankees beat for three seasons. He is also the publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Jets site, Jets Country. Before starting Inside The Pinstripes, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. At school, Goodman was an anchor and reporter with NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. While at Northwestern, Goodman interned with MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman. You can connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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