Isiah Kiner-Falefa Aims to Be 'True Utility Player' With Red Sox

The versatile infielder is ready to embrace a multi-position role in Boston.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Boston Red Sox added one of the most versatile players in baseball, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and the 30-year-old is ready to serve in a utility role for the team. Kiner-Falefa, who previously played for the Toronto Blue Jays, can make an impact at multiple positions and believes he excels most when used as a true utility player instead of playing one position.

Why it matters

The Red Sox had a busy offseason addressing roster needs, and Kiner-Falefa's versatility gives the team flexibility to plug him in at various spots. Boston has had past success with utilizing utility players, and Kiner-Falefa is looking forward to embracing that role.

The details

Though Kiner-Falefa will be serving a bench role, he shared that he believes he excels most when used as a true utility player. 'I think I'm best as a true utility player,' Kiner-Falefa said. 'Not many people can do it. You see the Kikés (Hernandez), the Chris Taylors, Brock Holts, these guys who've had so much success, and they're valuable, valuable players. So having that opportunity to really dive into that utility role, instead of just playing one position and being a mid position player, I get to focus on being one of the top utility players in the league.'

  • Kiner-Falefa most recently played for the Toronto Blue Jays.

The players

Isiah Kiner-Falefa

A versatile infielder who can play nearly any position, and is looking forward to embracing a utility role with the Boston Red Sox.

Alex Bregman

The Red Sox failed to retain Bregman in free agency, leading them to address their infield needs in other ways.

Rob Refsnyder

A player who has bounced around the league and landed a great deal, serving as an example for Kiner-Falefa on how the Red Sox develop hitters.

Romy Gonzalez

A young player on the Red Sox roster who has made strides, further demonstrating the team's ability to develop hitters.

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What they’re saying

“I think I'm best as a true utility player. Not many people can do it. You see the Kikés (Hernandez), the Chris Taylors, Brock Holts, these guys who've had so much success, and they're valuable, valuable players. So having that opportunity to really dive into that utility role, instead of just playing one position and being a mid position player, I get to focus on being one of the top utility players in the league.”

— Isiah Kiner-Falefa (The Athletic)

What’s next

Kiner-Falefa will look to prove his versatility and establish himself as one of the top utility players in the league during the upcoming season with the Red Sox.

The takeaway

Kiner-Falefa's addition gives the Red Sox a versatile player who can fill multiple roles, allowing the team to maximize its roster flexibility. His willingness to embrace a utility role could pay dividends for Boston as they look to build a well-rounded and adaptable team.