Every contending team hits a point in the season where duct tape stops working and real repairs need to be made.
The New York Yankees may have reached that point with their infield.
Even with Jazz Chisholm set to return, the Yankees know they’re walking a tightrope with their current infield mix.
Why the infield depth remains a problem despite Chisholm’s return
Chisholm is expected to slot back in at third base, pushing DJ LeMahieu into more consistent action at second.
But LeMahieu is slashing just .239/.314/.326 and is no longer the offensive spark plug he once was for New York.
The Yankees have no desire to keep him locked into a starting role all summer — he’s better suited as a utility man.
That’s why Brian Cashman may be forced to look for a low-cost upgrade before the trade deadline sneaks up in late July.
A familiar face is quietly putting together a solid season
While the trade market is still mostly cold, one name has started to heat up: Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
IKF played for the Yankees during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, and while his tenure was polarizing, he earned respect.
He showed up, did whatever the team asked, and even performed under pressure despite being miscast at times as a starting shortstop.
Since leaving New York, he’s actually improved, and this season he’s posting a surprising .303/.350/.388 slash line over 48 games.
Kiner-Falefa’s profile fits the Yankees’ current needs
IKF isn’t going to crush home runs — he has just one on the season — but he’s getting on base and making contact.
He has a 106 wRC+, meaning he’s producing 6% better than league average, which is a clear upgrade over Oswald Peraza.
His 16.3% strikeout rate and 5.1% walk rate show a disciplined approach, something the Yankees could desperately use right now.
He’s also stolen eight bases, giving them more speed and flexibility on the basepaths — something they’ve lacked at times.
What about the defense?
Defense is where it gets trickier.
This season, IKF has struggled defensively at shortstop with -4 outs above average, but that’s not where the Yankees need him.
In limited action at second and third base, he’s been much stronger, and those are the roles he’d likely fill upon return.
IKF’s versatility allows them to rotate Chisholm as needed or simply move on from Peraza without second-guessing the depth.
A safe upgrade that won’t cost a fortune
The Yankees aren’t looking for a splashy blockbuster at the moment — they just need to stop bleeding runs from poor at-bats.
Adding a disciplined bat who’s familiar with New York’s environment and capable of handling multiple roles fits that vision perfectly.
While IKF won’t win a Gold Glove or Silver Slugger, he’d help stabilize the infield heading into a critical stretch of the season.
Sometimes it’s not about making the flashiest move — it’s about making the right one at the right time.