Report: Yankees eyeing reunion with unpopular former player

New York Yankees fans may need to reach for the antacid once again.

The Yankees are keeping a close eye on Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported on Sunday. Nightengale notes that Kiner-Falefa “should be available” at the trade deadline and that the San Francisco Giants are eyeing him as well.

Kiner-Falefa, 30, is a righty hitter who is capable of playing multiple positions in the field. He is also in the final season of his contract with the Pirates, who are a non-contending team this year at an NL Central-worst 31-48.

But a move to the Yankees would be extremely surprising considering that Kiner-Falefa already had a prior stint in the Bronx from 2022-23. Kiner-Falefa largely did poorly during his time in New York, batting a mediocre .253 over his two seasons there.

Additionally, Kiner-Falefa was unpopular with Yankees fans and was often booed for his shaky performance at the plate, especially when he was an everyday player for the team. Eventually, Kiner-Falefa got pushed into a utility role for the Yankees after the arrival of shortstop Anthony Volpe and went on to leave the team in free agency before the 2024 season to sign with the rival Toronto Blue Jays.

This season though, Kiner-Falefa has enjoyed a resurgence. He is batting .280 with a .673 OPS over 65 games for Pittsburgh. Kiner-Falefa may never be able to hit for power, but he does just enough everywhere else (with defense, speed on the basepaths, and putting the ball in play) to be a strong contributor. That may be why the 45-32 Yankees, who especially need the help defensively right now, are considering a reunion with Kiner-Falefa.