Pirates Trade Rumors: Two Teams ‘Keeping a Close Eye’ on Isiah Kiner-Falefa

Pirates shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa is among the most logical position player trade candidates who will be available leading up to the deadline.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Yankees and Giants are two teams keeping a close eye on the 30-year-old, who will certainly be available leading up to the deadline.

Kiner-Falefa, who was acquired by the Pirates from the Blue Jays at last year’s trade deadline, is batting .280 with a .673 OPS in 65 games this season. Though he’s manned shortstop for this year Pittsburgh, Kiner-Falefa has played every position in his career other than first base.

A fourth round pick in the 2013 draft, Kiner-Falefa broke into the big leagues with the Rangers in 2018 as a catcher/third baseman but has bounced around throughout his eight-year career between the Rangers, Yankees, Blue Jays and Pirates. The bulk of his defensive work has been the left side of the infield.

Kiner-Falefa signed a two-year, $15 million deal with Toronto in the 2023-24 offseason and will be owed the prorated portion of his $7.5 million salary this year if and when a trade occurs. He’ll be a free agent at season’s end.

In addition to Kiner-Falefa, the Pirates have several other impending free agents who could be traded this summer. Those players include left-handed starter Andrew Heaney, lefty reliever Caleb Ferguson, utilityman Adam Frazier among others.

With a 30-48 record entering Sunday’s game against the Rangers, the Pirates will be looking to trade from their big-league roster and retool for 2026 and beyond.