Isiah Kiner-Falefa Discusses World Series Dynamics; Jays Favored Yankees in ALDS

Isiah Kiner-Falefa recently shared his insights regarding a pivotal moment in the 2025 World Series that impacted the Toronto Blue Jays. This moment occurred during Game 7 when Kiner-Falefa was thrown out at home plate, a play that many believed led to the Blue Jays’ loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Insights on the World Series Play’s Impact

After signing a one-year, $6 million deal with the Boston Red Sox, Kiner-Falefa faced the media for the first time since the dramatic game. In the bottom of the ninth inning, with the score tied at four, he attempted to score from third base but was caught out, leading to the Dodgers winning 5-4 in the 11th inning.

Kiner-Falefa explained his mindset during the play. He aimed to disrupt a possible double play as he believed the ground ball would be a routine out. “I was trying to break up the double play,” he stated. “I thought they’d throw home to first base.” His intention was to bring up Ernie Clement, one of the Blue Jays’ strongest hitters, in the next at-bat.

Reflections on the Decision

Looking back, Kiner-Falefa expressed regret over his lead off third base. Throughout the regular season, the Blue Jays emphasized keeping runners close to the bag in similar situations. “If I could do it over, I would have taken a couple of steps out,” he admitted. He felt that his actions were in line with the team’s strategic guidelines.

• Game 7 had a tied score of 4-4 when Kiner-Falefa was called out.
• The Dodgers won the World Series on a walk-off single in the 11th inning.
• Kiner-Falefa endured significant criticism online after the game.

Blue Jays’ Playoffs Strategy

Kiner-Falefa also shed light on the Blue Jays’ playoff strategy against the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. He indicated that the team favored facing the Yankees during the American League Division Series (ALDS) instead of the Red Sox due to their recent performance. Notably, Toronto had lost several games to Boston close to the end of the regular season.

“We definitely felt that Boston was a tougher matchup for us,” Kiner-Falefa recalled. This perspective seemed to guide their preparations going into the postseason.

Looking Forward with the Red Sox

After reflecting on the World Series incident, Kiner-Falefa is eager to move forward with his new team. He spent the offseason in Hawaii, seeking clarity and growth from his experience. As he transitions back into the American League East, the rivalry with the Yankees, his former team, is expected to reignite.

Kiner-Falefa’s ambition is to integrate into the Red Sox’s lineup and leverage the lessons learned from his time with the Blue Jays. His insights serve as a reminder of the complex dynamics in postseason baseball.