Isiah Kiner-Falefa reflects on World Series play, says Jays preferred Yankees ALDS match-up

The newest Red Sox player discusses being thrown out at home in Game 7 and the Blue Jays' postseason strategy.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 3:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the newest member of the Boston Red Sox, spoke publicly for the first time since being thrown out at home plate in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7 of the 2025 World Series. Kiner-Falefa explained his perspective on the play, saying he was trying to break up a double play to avoid ending the inning. He also revealed that the Toronto Blue Jays believed the New York Yankees would have been an easier match-up in the American League Division Series than the Red Sox.

Why it matters

Kiner-Falefa's comments provide insight into the Blue Jays' postseason strategy and the aftermath of the controversial play that many felt cost Toronto the World Series. His move to the rival Red Sox also adds another layer to the AL East rivalry.

The details

Kiner-Falefa said his initial read was to slide hard at home plate to try to break up a potential double play, with the Blue Jays' hottest hitter, Ernie Clement, due up next. He acknowledged that in hindsight, he would have gotten a few more steps off third base. Kiner-Falefa also revealed that the Blue Jays had practiced similar situations all season, with the organization preferring to keep runners close in those scenarios.

  • In Game 7 of the 2025 World Series, Kiner-Falefa was thrown out at home plate in the bottom of the ninth inning with the game tied at 4-4.
  • The Los Angeles Dodgers went on to win the game 5-4 in the 10th inning.

The players

Isiah Kiner-Falefa

A veteran infielder who recently signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Boston Red Sox after spending the 2025 season with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Ernie Clement

One of the Toronto Blue Jays' hottest hitters during the 2025 World Series.

Miguel Rojas

The Los Angeles Dodgers' second baseman who was involved in the play at the plate with Kiner-Falefa in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series.

John Schneider

The manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, who defended Kiner-Falefa's decision-making on the play at the plate during the 2025 World Series.

Garrett Crochet

A pitcher for the New York Yankees who the Toronto Blue Jays felt was a better match-up for them than the Boston Red Sox in the 2025 American League Division Series.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Off the bat I was trying to break up the double play. In my mind, I thought it was a routine ground ball at second and they were going to go home to (first base). So I went in hard to slide, that was my intention.”

— Isiah Kiner-Falefa

“My biggest regret was that there were no cameras in my face after the game, that was the toughest thing for me. If it was going to be such a big deal it would have been nice to have the camera in my face and have a chance to speak. But it blew up without me getting a proper interview, so I thought that was unfair. Everybody is just going off of it without me really being able to talk about the play.”

— Isiah Kiner-Falefa

“One hundred percent. We thought it was a better match-up for us the other way (to face New York). We were watching that (series) and we were watching (Garrett) Crochet just dice up. I think we had just lost two out of three (to Boston) and it put us behind the Yankees or tied us with them for the AL East lead (in late September). We definitely felt (Boston) was a tougher matchup for us. Once we saw the other team we were a lot happier. It was definitely a topic.”

— Isiah Kiner-Falefa

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.