The Yankee super utility guy is off to Toronto. Honestly, that one stung a little. Isiah Kiner-Falefa reinvented himself more times than he likely would have wanted. But he always seemed to land on his feet. And the Yankees needed him to play just about every position- even backup catcher if the team asked him to put on the mask. Now in 2024, he will be playing against the Yankees in the battle for the AL East. So I ask you this question, "How do you feel about losing IKF?"
"In an otherwise dreary Yankees season, Kiner-Falefa hit more than most and made himself appealing to plenty of teams that could use defensive flexibility," reported The New York Post following the Blue Jays acquisition of the golden utility player.
Surely, IKF was no Didi Gregorius nor could he hit like Derek Jeter as a middle infielder, but what he did do is bunt, hustle, hit with runners in scoring position and play all the outfield and infield positions except first base and catcher (although he could have). He is a gem in the clubhouse, never with a sour face only smiling and encouraging others to play their best.
Now the 28-year-old infielder/outfielder will earn his salary up north, signing a two-year, $15 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. IKF likely will hurt the Yankees as a scrappy addition to the already pesty Jays. But with the Yankees retooling, they plan to come out swinging, with Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo taking over key corner outfield positions.
The Yankees are not done yet as many are expecting Brian Cashman to add a pitcher to the roster and perhaps even another bat to the bench. The competition is fierce in the AL East as well as across the league with the Dodgers expected to dominate early and likely be a force in the postseason.
But for now, I say thank you to IKF for all he did to keep us in the game, despite the injuries and in spite of moving around the field to contribute. Good luck in Toronto but don't hurt the Bombers too much.
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--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof
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