Red Sox find infield depth with addition of Isiah Kiner-Falefa

After losing out on two of the best infielders on the free agent market, Alex Bregman (Chicago Cubs) and Bo Bichette (New York Mets), the Boston Red Sox have lacked a starting third baseman and second baseman. 

Needing to pivot, the Red Sox have found the answer to their problems in journeyman infielder and 2020 Gold Glove winner Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, is finalizing a one-year deal. Signing Kiner-Falefa does not affect the Red Sox's 40-man roster, as they have an open spot, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com.

Kiner-Falefa rejoins the familiar confines of the American League East after spending four out of his first eight seasons with the New York Yankees. Kiner-Falefa spent 2025 with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Toronto Blue Jays, where he hit .262 with an OPS of .631 in 138 games. 

Isiah Kiner-Falefa offers the Red Sox a decent stopgap in their infield

Primarily a shortstop in his career, with seven seasons with a positive 10 defensive runs saved, Kiner-Falefa also plays third base (19 DRS) and second base (25 DRS), which fills the holes the Red Sox needed. Kiner-Falefa will likely become the Red Sox's starting second baseman, with Marcelo Mayer (.228) likely to get the everyday reps at third base in place of Bregman. 

Not the star the Red Sox were seeking, Kiner-Falefa offers a perfect stopgap for the Red Sox's infield woes until second baseman Kristian Campbell proves he can be the everyday over at the keystone position. Not living up to his eight-year ($60 million) contract, which he signed last season and hit .223 with a .664 OPS in 67 games following, Campbell can grow as a second baseman with Kiner-Falefa on the roster.