Pirates Place Popular Infielder on Outright Waivers

What a difference a year makes. The Pirates acquired Kiner-Falefa from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for prospect Charles McAdoo at last year’s trade deadline, as they sought to bolster what was then a contending team. However, the Pirates slumped badly for the rest of the season and carried over their disappointing play into this season. Now sitting in last place with no hope of reaching the postseason, Pittsburgh looks for a taker.

“IKF,” as he’s known to us writers who get tired of typing his full name, instantly became popular with Pirates fans, due to his hustling, fundamentally sound play, and relation to former Pirate great Ralph Kiner. This season, Kiner-Falefa emerged from spring training as the Pirates’ starting shortstop. For a while, he led the team with the best batting average. He’s tailed off lately, however, and carries a stat line of .268/.304/.337, 1 HR, 35 RBI, 80 OPS+, .283 wOBA, and 78 wRC+ as of Thursday. In recent days, he’s played third base while Jared Triolo and Liover Peguero got time at shortstop.

Exit Another 2026 Free Agent

Kiner-Falefa, Andrew Heaney, and Tommy Pham were three Pirates on expiring contracts who weren’t dealt at the trade deadline. At the time, general manager Ben Cherington stated that he didn’t have to move them. They were kept, he explained, because the younger Pirates would benefit by having them around to answer questions. With Heaney having recently been designated for assignment and now this move, it’s clear that Cherington’s explanation was a pile of, to borrow a Joe Biden word, malarkey. As for any questions the younger Pirates may have, there’s always Baseball Reference and FanGraphs.

Kiner-Falefa expressed interest in signing a new contract with the Pirates when his current deal expires. His placement on waivers doesn’t preclude that, but it makes it seem less likely the Pirates would be interested. It’s also possible that, like Pham did last year with the St. Louis Cardinals, IKF requested this move so he could play in the postseason.

It now appears that Triolo will occupy third base and Peguero will get more reps at shortstop for the remainder of 2025. The door may also be open for infielders Cam Devanney or Nick Yorke to join the team from Triple-A Indianapolis.