The Former Yankee Whose Name Refused To Die

So, the Yankees are finally looking under the couch cushions for a real third baseman. Shocking, right? Because if you’ve been reading Bleeding Yankee Blue for more than five seconds, you already know this should’ve happened six months ago. You know—the offseason? That magical time when smart teams fill gaping holes before they’re bleeding out in July?

But hey, credit where it’s due: at least they’re trying now. There’s a pulse. A flicker. And what name keeps popping up like a whack-a-mole? None other than Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Yep—that IKF. Jon Heyman of the New York Post says the Yankees are kicking the tires on a reunion, and you know what? I’m very okay with that.

I always kinda liked the guy. Sure, he wasn’t Derek Jeter 2.0, but the man hustled. Played wherever they told him. Took the media bullets like a pro. Now, is he the long-term answer at third base? Probably not. But would he be an upgrade over this Frankenstein’s Monster of a Yankees infield? Yeah, probably.

Let’s zoom in for a sec: Jazz Chisholm Jr.—who was supposed to be the new hotness at second base—has been playing third since June. So enter IKF. Again.

But before we get too sentimental, let’s remember the elephant in the stadium: Did he even like it here? And are Yankee fans emotionally mature enough for this reunion tour?

Remember, fans absolutely torched IKF during his shortstop tenure. Missed a play? Booed. Didn’t hit a bomb every game? Booed. Looked at someone funny? BOOED. It was brutal. Then again, fans are now turning on Anthony Volpe the same way, so at least there’s consistency. Bronx loyalists: loyal to the boo.

But here’s the twist—maybe IKF walks back in like a seasoned vet, thicker skin, new swagger, and with the benefit of not being the guy stuck trying to replace Jeter. That alone could make this version of IKF better than the last.

Bottom line? The IKF rumor refuses to die, and maybe that’s for a reason. He’s cheap, he’s flexible, and honestly, he’d probably help this limp infield situation more than anyone currently suiting up in pinstripes. And if nothing else, it might force the front office to admit what we’ve been screaming since January: this roster had holes, and the duct tape isn’t holding anymore.

Keep your eyes on this one, folks. The reunion tour might just be coming to the Bronx.