6/21/2023 0 Comments Yankees shortstop![]() Volpe’s been terrific in the minors, winning MLB Pipeline’s Hitting Prospect of the Year in 2021 and following that up by becoming the first minor leaguer to record 20 homers and 50 steals since Andruw Jones in 1995. The 2019 first-round pick has wowed talent evaluators since his recovery from mononucleosis in 2020, and projects to have 60-grade hitting and power tools in the pros. The justification for choosing Kiner-Falefa instead of that stacked 2021-22 offseason crop of shortstops was that he would serve as a bridge to New York’s top prospect Volpe. The Unknown: Anthony VolpeĪ Yankee fan’s dream. Kiner-Falefa doesn’t seem like the solution for the Yankees shortstop in 2023, but he should be a very valuable utility man if New York decides to keep him. He can still deliver a clutch hit when needed, and his value also lies in the fact that he can slot almost anywhere on the field, spending time at short, third base (where he won a gold glove), catcher, second, and in the outfield this spring. 424/.485/.525 split in high-leverage situations with a 194 wRC+, which is 94% above the league average. He ranked fifth in MLB in errors with 17 and went for a below-average -2 OAA, though DRS painted him in a more positive light.ĭespite his deficiencies, he was one of New York’s most clutch players in 2022. Kiner-Falefa has excellent range to both sides, but he struggles with routine plays hit right at him. 261/.314/.327 with an 85 wRC+, but his real problem was defense. Kiner-Falefa has not been the best for the Yanks, but the hate he receives is overblown. ![]() The underwhelming return from that trade has led to a loud section of Yankee fans begging Kiner-Falefa to leave New York since midseason last year. Cashman went with the light-hitting Kiner-Falefa instead, trading the beloved Gio Urshela and stalwart catcher Gary Sanchez to the Minnesota Twins for IKF and Josh Donaldson. ![]() Players like Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, Trevor Story, Javier Baez, and Marcus Semien were all high-profile free agents that would have been a splash as the Yankees shortstop. The Yankees shortstop in 2023 could be… The Veteran: Isiah Kiner-FalefaĪfter that fateful loss in Boston, Brian Cashman had his choice of all the shortstop free agents available. There appear to be three options to start at the Yankees shortstop position in 2023, so let’s take a look at them. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.It’s now been 532 days since Hunter Renfroe caught Torres’ fly ball and ended New York’s season, and the shortstop position still remains unsolidified in the Bronx, despite a very strong 2023 outlook. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. ![]() Not all offers available in all states, please visit sportsbook websites for the latest promotions for your area.
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