TAMPA — Aaron Boone had kept an eye on Isiah Kiner-Falefa from afar and was high on him even before the Yankees traded for the shortstop this month.
But in the two-plus weeks he has gotten to see him up close, Boone’s observations have largely been confirmed, in addition to making some new impressions.
“There’s some intensity to his game,” Boone said this week. “He wants to be really good at this game and wants to be a big part of this team. He has embraced all those expectations.”
Kiner-Falefa arrived from the Twins (who traded him to the Yankees a day after landing him from the Rangers) known for his defense. He was a Gold Glove third baseman in 2020, then got to play his first full season at shortstop in 2021 and ranked third among all MLB shortstops with 10 defensive runs saved, according to FanGraphs.
Watching Kiner-Falefa during spring training, Boone has taken note of his athleticism and ability to move quickly while low to…