The New York Yankees knew that shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa was one of the most criticized players on the team for much of the season because of his inability to provide even average numbers at the position and costing the team some runs on defense.
The reality of it all is that he is a .663 OPS guy in his MLB career, and his 2022 mark was .642.
The Yankees brought him in and handed him a starting gig knowing he was a below-average offensive player, and he was a below-average player.
Why is it his fault?
In any case, as he faced a potential non-tender by the team on Friday, Kiner-Falefa will instead remain with the Yankees on a one-year, $6 million salary in 2023.
The 2023 campaign will be his last before hitting free agency.
Fans Didn’t Like The Decision To Bring Back Kiner-Falefa
The Yankees’ decision to bring him back was met with criticism and disappointment.
— Patches O’Houlihan (@sondraa) November 18, 2022
OH MY GOD NOOOOOOOO
Why Kiner Falefa coming back to New York cmon
— NYYJTP (@NYYJTP) November 18, 2022
We’re bringing this BUM of a shortstop on a 1-year, $6M DEAL???
ISIAH KINER-FALEFA??? REALLY Brian Cashman????💀💀💀@Yankees
— Michael Davis (@MichaelKeithDa2) November 18, 2022
In any case, the fact the Yankees brought him back does not necessarily mean he will be the starter.
“It’s a good thing Twitter is still alive, because the Kiner-Falefa discourse remains entertaining. I still think the #Yankees will enter next year with a new starting SS, making IKF quality depth (plus he’s still a trade piece),” Tom Hanslin tweeted.
It's a good thing Twitter is still alive, because the Kiner-Falefa discourse remains entertaining. I still think the #Yankees will enter next year with a new starting SS, making IKF quality depth (plus he's still a trade piece).
— Tom Hanslin (@TomHanslin) November 18, 2022
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has said that IKF should be in the mix for fighting for a starting gig with the team’s top rookies: Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe
If the competition is fair, IKF will likely be relegated to being a reserve, since all the aforementioned names are superior options both defensively and offensively.
Fans, somewhat predictably, are still not happy to see him.
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