JUST IN: Yankees Veteran Linked To a top team as Possible top target

This offseason, the New York Mets will look to bolster their infield.

New York recently received bad news when No. 4 prospect Ronny Mauricio suffered a knee injury and will miss the majority, if not the entirety, of the 2024 season. Mauricio was expected to see extended playing time this season, particularly at third base.

 

Bret Baty, the Mets’ remaining infielder, will play an expanded role. Despite this, New York is expected to include free agency. Former New York Yankees utility man Isiah Kiner-Falefa has been linked to the Mets, according to Metsmerized Online’s Jack Markowski.

“Kiner-Falefa is a former Gold Glove winner at shortstop who played every position besides first base in his career and appeared at six of them in 2023 with the New York Yankees, though third base might just be his strongest,” Mr. Markowski said. “In just over 1200 innings at third base, Kiner-Falefa has 19 defensive runs saved and 22 outs above average, including three of each in 240.1 innings last season.”

“To reiterate, Kiner-Falefa hit.242/.306/.340 with six home runs and an 82 wRC+ last season.” His offensive numbers aren’t particularly relevant, especially in light of the Mets’ needs and what they’re looking for in a bench piece. Kiner-Falefa is a well-rounded player with unique versatility, defensive prowess, and strong base-running ability who would immediately step in as a plus-defender at third base and fill several needs for the Mets as they fill the roster.”

Kiner-Falefa would be an intriguing acquisition for the Mets. New York has stated that rather than bringing in a star to take over the position, it will likely pursue someone to help out on the edges. Kiner-Falefa could provide depth for the Mets all over the field in addition to third base and would most likely be inexpensive.