The Detroit Tigers are struggling of late, losing four of their last five games. After starting off as the winningest team in baseball earlier this season, Detroit has been bested by Milwaukee for the best record in baseball. Amid their recent struggles, MLB writer Kenneth Teape suggests that the team should target Isiah Kiner-Falefa, a utilityman recently placed on waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Similar to Pirates outfielder Tommy Pham, many were surprised to see the Pirates hold onto Kiner-Falefa’s expiring contract. Now, with just over a month left in the season, Kiner-Falefa may have the opportunity to play for a contender. His most valuable asset for Detroit would be his defensive prowess and versatility.
For the Rangers in 2020, Kiner-Falefa was awarded his first Gold Glove Award for his efforts at third base. Although he has more than 225 appearances at third, he has appeared at shortstop 449 times, as well as 73 games at catcher, 77 games at second and 79 games in the outfield. Even if Kiner-Falefa’s days at catcher and in the outfield are behind him, his versatility through the middle and left side of the infield would make him a great pickup for this young Tigers team.
It also never hurts to add a veteran with postseason experience. In two postseason series for the Yankees in 2022, Kiner-Falefa hit .278 in six games, including two hits off the bench in the American League Championship Series. Although not a tremendous amount of postseason experience, for an inexperienced Tigers team, Kiner-Falefa’s playoff résumé in pinstripes could help harness the Tigers’ young talent come October.