By Paul Semendinger
December 27, 2023
***
Well, the Isiah Kiner-Falefa Era is over.
It's sort of a shame because IKF was a good player, a guy who gave it his all, but was illsutied to the roles the Yankees expected him to perform.
He isn't a starting shortstop (2023) and he certainly isn't a starting outfielder (2023), at least for a team that portends to be a championship contender.
The Yankees put IKF in roles where he was almost destined to underperform.
IKF represented many of the failings of the Yankees these last few years. He took a lot of the brunt of the fans' frustration with the organization.
It was IKF who was starting at shortop in 2022 when it was clear that it was time for the Yankees to give Oswald Peraza a shot.
It was IKF who was starting in centerfield (and left field) when other players (such as Estevan Florial) should have had their chance to shine.
In the end, IKF batted .253/10/85 in his two seasons with the Yankees. he also pitched in four games to a 2.25 ERA.
Two years at $15 million is a nice contract for him. I think it priced him way out of what the Yankees were willing to pay for a versitile bench player. I agree with the Yankees not bringing him back at that price.
I would imagine that IKF will be happy for a new start in a new city. I wish him well.
