3 Yankees DFA/trade candidates who could lose 40-man roster spot before Opening Day

1. Isiah Kiner-Falefa

If the Yankees planned to cut Isiah Kiner-Falefa, his $6 million salary wouldn't have been placed on the ledger late last year, and he would've been effortlessly non-tendered.

Obviously, the Yankees like the player. They like his versatility. They like his ability to be a third catcher, which weirdly could come in handy this year. They like the contact profile. Hell, they even like the defense, and they might be the only ones.

But as the winter has droned on, Kiner-Falefa has replaced Gleyber Torres as the most obvious trade candidate on the roster. Despite a recent show of forcing him into second base, third base and center field reps, it still seems quite possible that both parties decide to find IKF a new home before Opening Day, especially if the rumors about the shortstop competition are true.

As we draw closer to the opener, it certainly feels like Oswald Peraza was penciled into the starting role months ago. To add insult to injury for Kiner-Falefa, Anthony Volpe's star turn has been undeniable, and it'll be difficult to keep him in the minors for long. While the Harrison Bader injury could add more reps for Kiner-Falefa in center field, Oswaldo Cabrera and Aaron Judge splitting time out there makes more logical sense, and Cabrera has more outfield experience (albeit just a summer's worth).

The most likely outcome here is IKF being dealt to the Rockies, Dodgers or another infield-needy team, opening up a 40-man spot to help the Yankees add a natural outfielder or another arm.