Former Yankees infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa has signed a two-year, $15 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to MLB insider Robert Murray. The deal also includes $1 million in performance bonuses, as reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. This move marks a departure for Kiner-Falefa from the New York Yankees, where he expressed a desire to continue and address the “unfinished business” of securing a championship ring.
Kiner-Falefa joined the Yankees in 2022 as part of a trade that involved Josh Donaldson and Ben Rortvedt. The deal saw Gary Sánchez and Gio Urshela heading to the Minnesota Twins. In his first season with the Yankees, the versatile player struggled as the starting shortstop, batting .261 with a .642 OPS. In the subsequent season, he faced competition for the shortstop position in spring training but ultimately conceded it to prospect Anthony Volpe.
Despite early struggles at the plate in 2023, Kiner-Falefa transformed into one of the Yankees’ most consistent offensive contributors, expanding his role to include the outfield. Over a span of 64 games from May 16 to Aug. 14, he hit .293 with an .804 OPS and 125 wRC+, making him one of the team’s standout performers during that period.
After the Yankees finished the season with an 82-80 record and missed the playoffs, Kiner-Falefa expressed a desire to re-sign with New York for the 2024 season, citing the sense of “unfinished business” and a desire to win a championship. However, the recent signing with the Toronto Blue Jays indicates that Kiner-Falefa will not have the opportunity to pursue that goal with the Yankees. Instead, he looks forward to bringing his improved performance to the Blue Jays in the upcoming 2024 season.
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