Apr 20, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa (12) does a post game interview after the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
A hot start for the New York Yankees proves Brian Cashman still knows what he’s doing.
The New York Yankees had an objectively poor offseason with some major players they could have used signing elsewhere. Winning the offseason has its rewards. Fans get pumped. Season tickets are sold. Preseason rankings put your team at or near the top.
Winning the offseason doesn’t really matter once the season actually starts. Despite what looked like misses for the Yankees, it’s clear Brian Cashman still knows what he’s doing.
They have been the best team in the American League even without some of their top players performing at a high level. These four moves prove they were right to continue on with the Cashman era.
4. Yankees shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa was a good gamble
Light-hitting shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa joined the club in a blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Twins not long after he was traded to them from the Texas Rangers. A guy the Yankees had shown interest in for quite some time, he was a rather underwhelming choice to start at shortstop for them this year. Compared to players like Corey Seager, Trevor Story, and Carlos Correa, Kiner-Falefa was a last resort option.
Surprisingly, Kiner-Falefa has been one of the most consistent Yankees hitters this year. Through 81 plate appearances he’s slashing .311/.346/.392. He has yet to hit a home run but does have six doubles. His defense has been great, too. Through his first 22 games, he has been worth 0.5 WAR with his glove.
The Yankees went with a non-free agent option to play possibly the most prized position in the Bronx. In doing so, they’ve opened up the possibility for other mores and left the door open for Oswald Peraza or Anthony Volpe to eventually take over.
Kiner-Falefa won’t be following in the footsteps of Derek Jeter, He can, however, help them win a lot in 2022.