Red Sox Sign Free Agent Infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa

One-year deal brings former Yankee to Boston's infield mix ahead of spring training

Feb. 4, 2026 at 7:31pm

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The Boston Red Sox have agreed to a one-year contract with free agent infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa, sources confirmed on Wednesday. The 31-year-old Kiner-Falefa is expected to provide depth and competition at second base, where the Red Sox were looking to upgrade their internal options.

Why it matters

The Red Sox are hoping Kiner-Falefa can solidify their infield as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season. Kiner-Falefa has experience at multiple infield positions and could be a valuable addition as the team prepares for spring training.

The details

Kiner-Falefa, who turns 31 next month, spent the 2025 season with the New York Yankees. He is expected to compete for the starting second base job in Boston, where the Red Sox were considering internal options like David Hamilton and Romy Gonzalez. The Red Sox may now shift Marcelo Mayer to third base with Kiner-Falefa at second.

  • The Red Sox agreed to the one-year contract with Kiner-Falefa on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.

The players

Isiah Kiner-Falefa

A 31-year-old infielder who spent the 2025 season with the New York Yankees.

David Hamilton

An internal option at second base for the Red Sox.

Romy Gonzalez

An internal option at second base for the Red Sox.

Marcelo Mayer

The Red Sox's top prospect, who could shift to third base with Kiner-Falefa at second.

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What’s next

The Red Sox will need to finalize the contract with Kiner-Falefa pending a physical, and then determine how he fits into their infield plans ahead of spring training.

The takeaway

The Red Sox are making a proactive move to bolster their infield depth and competition ahead of the 2026 season, bringing in the versatile Kiner-Falefa on a one-year deal to potentially stabilize the second base position.