For Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who the Yankees acquired last season from the Minnesota Twins to play shortstop, Peraza’s and Volpe’s success at the position seems to have pushed him out of the running.
Kiner-Falefa struggled at short last season, and Yankee fans were vocal about it throughout the season.
Texas Rangers catcher Isiah Kiner-Falefa looks over the field during a game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners May 20, 2019, at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. (George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The emergence of the two young infielders has prompted Kiner-Falefa to try out new positions this spring, including center field and left field.
Kiner-Falefa had catcher’s gear with him Wednesday, and he expected to get back behind home plate for some work.
The last time he played in a game at catcher was in 2019 with the Rangers, and he started 31 games behind the plate. He’s played a total 73 games at the position over his career.
Kiner-Falefa is doing all he can to earn a bench role out of camp.
"I think they expected me to bring it up when I did," Kiner-Falefa told the New York Post of mentioning catching drills to the Yankees. "If I’m gonna do this, I want to be the best utility player I can be. I don’t want to do it halfway."
Catcher Isiah Kiner-Falefa and starting pitcher Adrian Sampson of the Texas Rangers meet at the pitcher's mound during a game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field Sept. 29, 2018, in Seattle. (Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
New York had an All-Star catcher in Jose Trevino shine in his first season in the Bronx last season, but he’s dealing with a wrist injury. Kyle Higashioka has also been away from the Yankees while playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
On the prospect front, 2018 first-round pick Austin Wells and Ben Rortvedt are also dealing with injuries.
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"Whatever happens, happens," Kiner-Falefa said. "I just want to win. That’s all I’m worried about right now. I am ready for whatever I need to do."
The Yankees have a lot of questions to answer about their 26-man roster before March 30, and Kiner-Falefa’s spot on the roster is one of them. Having a utility player on the roster is always a plus, and New York has had an affinity for them in recent seasons. Tyler Wade is a prime example.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa of the New York Yankees is introduced before a spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark Feb. 25, 2023, in Clearwater, Fla. (New York Yankees/Getty Images)
This spring, Kiner-Falefa has a .241/.324/.379 slash line with one double, one homer and three RBIs in 13 games. He’s struck out eight times in 29 at-bats.