MLB Rumors: Yankees In Talks On Kiner-Falefa With Two Teams

Although they haven't yet named a starting shortstop, the infield is one spot where the New York Yankees have plenty of depth on the roster. And with that in mind, MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic says that the team has pitched Isiah Kiner-Falefa to two National League West teams.

The Yankees have reportedly had conversations with the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angeles Dodgers centered around Isiah Kiner-Falefa... Trading Kiner-Falefa could give the Yankees more wiggle room in a trade for a left fielder or for pitching help. It would also clear up the infield picture, which currently features two players who profile better as utility men in Kiner-Falefa and Oswaldo Cabrera.

These teams make plenty of sense for GM Brian Cashman to target, as both have lost a starting middle infielder to injuries since the start of spring training. 

The Dodgers were intending to hand the starting shortstop job to Gavin Lux this season, but a torn ACL ended his season. LA is currently planning to shift their intended utilityman Miguel Rojas to shortstop, while using Chris Taylor as backup. Neither of those options are ideal, and the Dodgers are expected to turn to the trade market to fill their infield depth problem.

The Rockies' second baseman Brendan Rogers will likely miss the season as well after suffering a severely dislocated shoulder, so they, too, are looking to boost their middle infield depth. 

All Cashman would say about the talks was this: “I do know that’s an area of strength for this franchise right now in real time. So if somebody is looking for help, we wouldn’t be surprised if they’re knocking on our door.”

Kiner-Falefa fell out of favor with the fans in the Bronx last season, and, in the playoffs, with manager Aaron Boone apparently as well, as he was left out of the starting lineup on a couple of occasions in the ALCS. 

Top prospects Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe could be the leading contenders for shortstop at this point in New York.

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports