Yankees' Isiah Kiner-Falefa Knows He's out of Shortstop Competition

He sees the writing on the wall.

According to Randy Miller of NJ.com, Isiah Kiner-Falefa knows he's not going to be the Yankees' starting shortstop to start the season.

“I feel like I haven’t played shortstop in two weeks,” Kiner-Falefa told NJ.com.

That's correct. Kiner-Falefa hasn't played shortstop since March 9. He played six games at the position to start Grapefruit League play, but has now gone several weeks without playing short.

While Kiner-Falefa is not officially out of the running, the race appears to be down to top prospects Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza. While Volpe has outplayed Peraza in Spring Training, Peraza has more experience in Triple-A and the major leagues.

As for Kiner-Falefa, the Yankees have been using him as a super utility man. He has played second base three times, third base twice, left field once and center field once in camp. He is also the Yankees' emergency catcher.

Major League Baseball now gives out Gold Glove Awards to utility players, which Kiner-Falefa's teammate, DJ LeMahieu, won in 2022.

“I told DJ, ‘I’m gunning for your Gold Glove,’” Kiner-Falefa said

Kiner-Falefa has won a Gold Glove of his own, capturing the award at third base while playing for the Texas Rangers in 2020.

With Kiner-Falefa likely out as the Yankees' starting shortstop, the team is hoping he can make an impact all over the diamond with his versatility.

“If I’m in this utility role, maybe I can stick around,” Kiner-Falefa said. “That’s what I want.”

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