The New York Yankees have a problem at shortstop. They may finally be ready to do something about it.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa was essentially brought in to be a stopgap at short. He had been a solid defensive option anywhere he played on the diamond, his versatility and decent production making him the perfect utility man. However, on a Yankees team that has had several legends at the position, his lack of production and defensive lapses in key moments caused the fanbase to quickly turn upon him.
New York Yankees eyeing change at short?
The 2023 season appeared set to be more of the same. Kiner-Falefa is expected to be the Yankees’ Opening Day shortstop while their young prospects wait for their time to come. However, according to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, the door may be open for Oswald Peraza to win the job during spring training as manager Aaron Boone indicated that Kiner-Falefa could transition into a different role that would include time in the outfield.
This idea is hardly carved in stone. Peraza would need to have a strong showing in spring training to force the Yankees’ hand. He has far more upside than Kiner-Falefa, but it is not yet clear that his time has come.
It is ultimately a matter of winning a championship. Just reaching the postseason is not good enough, especially as the Yankees have not been able to fly a new championship banner since 2009. That is a lifetime for a franchise that measures success in rings, that simply is not good enough. If Peraza can help the Yankees win another title, he should be in the lineup.
There may be a changing of the guard at shortstop for the New York Yankees. Oswald Peraza could force Isiah Kiner-Falefa to a utility role.
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