Conversations with the Herd: Blue Jays Infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa

By; Brian Frank

In late-August, the Blue Jays strengthened an already deep roster with the addition of Isiah Kiner-Falefa, claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kiner-Falefa is in his second stint with Toronto — he signed a two-year $15 million contract with the Blue Jays during the 2023-24 offseason but was traded to the Pirates at last season’s trade deadline. Now, the versatile Kiner-Falefa is returning to where he intended to play when he signed his free agent contract.

“I was really excited,” Kiner-Falefa told The Herd Chronicles of his reaction to returning to the Blue Jays. “Signing my two-year deal here, just getting the opportunity to finish what I signed up for. That opportunity meant the world to me. I’m really excited to be able to contribute and help this team be in this race.”

Kiner-Falefa won a Gold Glove Award in 2020 at third base. Photo Credit: Brian Frank, The Herd Chronicles

He’s also grateful for the opportunity to return to Canada to finish the season — a place where he’s enjoyed playing since well before he joined a Canadian team.

“Coming up in my career, this has always been my favorite place to play, so having the opportunity to call this home and to play here every day in front of these fans — it’s amazing,” he said.

“When I was 19 years old, I played in Spokane,” he continued. “We played Vancouver, and that was my first taste of what the Canadian fans are like. That atmosphere in Vancouver was amazing — and I was 19 years old. Just being in the big leagues at the biggest stage in Toronto, with these fans — it’s awesome. It’s a big market. You feel the passion, you feel the love for the team, and I’m having a blast playing in Canada.”

The native of Honolulu, Hawaii, also took a big jump in the standings when he reported to Rogers Centre, going from being in last place in the National League Central with the Pirates to a team looking to win their first division title since 2015. Suddenly being on a contending team is something that has rejuvenated the 30-year-old.

“It’s like I started a whole new year,” he said. “Normally in September guys are tired, but right now I’m refreshed. I’m back into it. A second life on the season. Everything that went on in Pittsburgh, I’m thankful for. I learned a lot about myself and a lot about how different organizations are run. I’m just blown away with how great of an organization Toronto is.”

In the two weeks he’s been with the Blue Jays, Kiner-Falefa has been impressed with the team’s chemistry and the their ability to battle back in games.

“I think this team has a never-quit attitude,” he said. “The brotherhood, it’s very pure. I’m really excited to be a part of this. I just love the way the guys cheer for each other. They compete for this country, for each other, and it’s so fun to be part of.”

Taking infield with Addison Barger. Photo Credit: Brian Frank, The Herd Chronicles

This Blue Jays team reminds Kiner-Falefa of the 2022 American League East champion New York Yankees team he played for — a team that won 99 regular season games and advanced all the way to the ALCS, before falling to the eventual World Series champion Houston Astros.

“That team in ’22 was really good,” he said. “I think this team has the potential to be just as good or better. I feel like the belief is there and that never ending quit where you’re in every game. That’s a special feeling. I’ve felt it a little bit, but I haven’t felt it to this degree. So, I’m really excited to be a part of it and help this team out.”