Yankees-Pirates Trade Idea Brings Beloved Infielder Back to New York originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Yankees ended an embarrassing six-game losing streak with a 7-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, with home runs from Trent Grisham and Paul Goldschmidt being the recipe for a cathartic win.
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Friday’s seven-run outburst equaled the Yankees’ total over their previous seven games; the last Yankee team to post 6+ losses with that poor of an offensive run was the 1908 squad.
Fortunately, enough offensive trade targets exist that the Yankees can supplement their areas of need with a few savvy moves over the coming weeks.
One of those can be found in an old friend in Pittsburgh.
Aug 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa (7) throws to first base to complete a double play over Cincinnati Reds right fielder Amed Rosario (38) during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY SportsCharles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who played for the Yankees from 2022 to 2023, has hit to a strong .288 batting average for the Pirates this year, and trade rumors have been swirling due to his impending free agency.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post predicted the Yankees could swing a cheap trade for their beloved former infielder.
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IKF’s .692 OPS leaves a lot to be desired, but his .333 on base percentage would bode well for the Yankees if they choose to pursue him as a trade deadline option.
IKF has made 203 appearances at third base, including 37 at the hot corner during his time with the Yankees.
A trade for IKF has a number of benefits: for one, he already has experience playing in the Bronx, which is polarizing for several reasons.
Mostly, though, IKF slotting at third base would give Jazz Chisholm Jr daily reps at second base, and alleviate the need for DJ LeMahieu or Oswald Peraza to occupy the four slot.
A trade for IKF would hardly be expensive, and it would promise the Yankees another on-base hitter, potentially at the back of the lineup ahead of Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge.
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Related: Potential Yankees Trade Target Infielder Nearing Massive Home Run Milestone
Related: Yankees Predicted To Trade For $66 Million Infielder After Ugly Loss
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.