TAMPA — In the wake of DJ LeMahieu’s bone-bruised foot jeopardizing his Opening Day availability, the Yankees probably could use a Gold Glove third baseman like the one they played all over the field last season.
But Isiah Kiner-Falefa is now with the Blue Jays on a two-year, $15 million pact after two odd seasons in The Bronx that featured boos, a disappointing stint at shortstop and a rarely seen recovery, in which a player the fans turned on won back much of that fan base.
When Kiner-Falefa looks back on his two years with the Yankees, the first memory that comes to mind is not the 2022 jeers.
His mind does not go immediately to a strange 2023, when he was a rare bright spot playing just about everywhere for a team that disappointed.
The moment that jumps out occurred June 14 of last year when he kept edging off third base against the Mets, and reliever Brooks Raley didn’t see him.
Kiner-Falefa took off and stole home, the first Yankee to do so in nearly seven years.
“I loved stealing home,” Kiner-Falefa said this weekend before the Yankees beat his Blue Jays, 10-9, at Steinbrenner Field. “That Subway Series felt bigger than any playoff game I’ve played.”
Kiner-Falefa grew up a Yankees fan in Hawaii and lived his actual dream, becoming the club’s shortstop in 2022 after a March trade, but he struggled defensively and did not hit enough as he became a focal point of fan anger.
Kiner-Falefa eventually lost his spot during the playoffs, and Anthony Volpe took over the following season.
Yet, Kiner-Falefa went from enemy to fan favorite as he transitioned to a super-utility player who proved he can handle any infield or outfield spot.
He played most often in center field but saw time everywhere besides catcher and first base.
For an offense that underwhelmed in virtually every facet, Kiner-Falefa was solid if not spectacular (.646 OPS in 113 games) while consistently making contact — a rare trait on the team.
“Biggest blessing ever, man,” a bearded Kiner-Falefa said about his time with the Yankees. “Having the experience to play in New York is just — it goes so far. Things that maybe I would learn in five, 10 years, I was able to learn in two years with that experience. … Being able to learn from those guys has helped me so much.”
Kiner-Falefa is playing with a Toronto team with a younger batch of stars and a more open path toward playing time.
IKF said he is getting reps all over, but it is appearing as if he will be the everyday third baseman.
Saturday made for a very New York-tinged scene, as he and non-roster invite Eduardo Escobar took turns at third base before the game, throwing across the diamond to non-roster invite Daniel Vogelbach.
After a 2023 season that he appreciated but was filled with sporadic playing time, Kiner-Falefa is happy.
“It’s nice to get in the lineup,” IKF said. “That’s the biggest thing for me, is just getting a chance. I’m pretty excited.”