Isiah Kiner-Falefa © John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

How will the Blue Jays utilize Isiah Kiner-Falefa?

Originally posted on Bluejaysnation | By Josh Goldberg | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 10:00 AM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays reunited with a familiar face, claiming veteran utility player Isiah-Kiner Falefa off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Blue Jays made the move before rosters expanded at the start of September, ensuring Kiner-Falefa was on the 40-man roster in time to be eligible for the postseason.

Kiner-Falefa spent the first half of the 2024 campaign in Toronto before he was dealt to Pittsburgh at the trade deadline. His defensive versatility and bat-to-ball skills are the things postseason contenders often look for when trying to build out their bench with an eye on being in the best position for October.

Kiner-Falefa has played shortstop and third base this season, but also has extensive experience at second base and more limited experience in the outfield. The 30-year-old has made contact over 88% of the time in 2025, and owns a career contact rate of 86.5%. He’s always been able to put the bat on the ball, and as we saw in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, good things can happen sometimes when you put the ball in play.

MUST SEE: This bunt was WILD pic.twitter.com/5DEENPDFus

— MLB (@MLB) June 7, 2025

As far as what role the Blue Jays might envision Kiner-Falefa filling, it’s hard to see him carving out much in the way of consistent playing time. Outside of an unexpected occurrence like an injury, the Blue Jays are set across the diamond for the time being.

Kiner-Falefa will likely draw the occasional start against a left-handed pitcher or when a regular needs a day off, such as last night when he took over at third base and Addison Barger got a day off. He would go 0 for 3 in his 2025 debut, plating twice because of getting hit by a pitch and grounding into a forceout.

Outside of that, he will likely be leaned on as a late-game replacement, whether that’s pinch-hitting, running, or as a defensive replacement. Myles Straw has filled a similar role to great success in 2025, and the Blue Jays would surely be thrilled if Kiner-Falefa can approach that level of impact down the stretch and into the postseason.

“I’m willing to do whatever they need me to do for giving me this opportunity,” Kiner-Falefa said, according to Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling. “I’m just excited to be here. I’ll be the best 10th man I can be. I take pride in that. I’m going to be doing everything I can to just provide energy, provide help. It’s the least I could do.”

The Blue Jays took on the remainder of Kiner-Falefa’s 2025 salary, which worked out to just over $1.1 million. That just reinforces that the team continues to be willing to add payroll if there’s an opportunity to improve. It’s clear the Blue Jays believe Kiner-Falefa can play a role as the team tries to reach its ultimate goal of winning the World Series.

This article first appeared on Bluejaysnation and was syndicated with permission.

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