Heightened uncertainty might prompt the Yankees to bring back their adaptable infielder

Conor Liguori

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Growing instability could lead to Yankees reuniting with versatile infielder image

TL;DR

  • Yankees may start 2026 with Ryan McMahon and Jose Caballero at left infield due to injuries.
  • Anthony Volpe is on the injured list; Oswaldo Cabrera is recovering from a broken ankle.
  • Sports Illustrated suggests bringing back Isiah Kiner-Falefa for defense and bench spark.
  • Kiner-Falefa offers strong defense but minimal offensive power, not a concern for Yankees.

Should the 2026 Major League Baseball season commence presently, the New York Yankees would probably feature Ryan McMahon and Jose Caballero as their initial players on the left side of the infield. 

The two ballplayers were mid-season additions who might not secure a regular position with many other franchises, yet the Yankees are short on infield reserves.

Shortstop Anthony Volpe is slated to begin the season on the injured list following an operation to fix a partially torn labrum, and Oswaldo Cabrera is expected to be fit for spring training after breaking his ankle in May. 

The Yankees might still benefit from an additional player to bolster their infield defense, and Sports Illustrated's Jack Markowski believes the team ought to bring back utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa. 

"Kiner-Falefa wasn't exactly a fan favorite during his two years in New York, but he's undoubtedly a useful player who would raise the Yankees' floor next year and provide a spark off the bench," Markowski wrote. 

Kiner-Falefa's hitting skills are not extensive 

Kiner-Falefa, a previous Gold Glove winner at third base, contributes minimal power when batting. He achieved a personal best of eight home runs in 2024, playing for both the Pittsburgh Pirates and Toronto Blue Jays. 

"Kiner-Falefa isn't going to provide much of anything offensively, which the Yankees are well-aware of, but he remains an above-average defender at third base and shortstop with DRS totals of 3 and 1, respectively, during the 2025 season," Markowski added. 

The Yankees, who saw seven players achieve 20 or more home runs last season, shouldn't be concerned about his limited power. Manager Aaron Boone might place Kiner-Falefa at the end of the batting order when the team is up against left-handed pitchers, allowing McMahon to rest due to his weak.534 OPS against southpaws in 2025. 

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Staff Writer