The shortstop market was fairly barren all offseason, with Bo Bichette as the top option available despite him being widely viewed as a player unlikely to stick at the position. Now that pitchers and catchers are just two weeks from reporting, Isiah Kiner-Falefa stands more or less alone on the shortstop market. A glove-first infielder, Kiner-Falefa has a career slash line of just .262/.311/.349 across eight seasons in the majors but has been a consistently valuable asset in spite of that thanks to a quality glove.
He’s coming off a down season with Pittsburgh and Toronto in 2025, hitting .262/.297/.334 (75 wRC+) while his defensive metrics dipped to slightly below average. As spring training approaches, he’s sure to start receiving more interest from contenders with holes in their bench mix and smaller market clubs with holes in their infield. Who’s the best fit for the former Gold Glover? A look at some of the options:
Athletics
The A’s reportedly pursued Nolan Arenado to fill out their infield before backing off when it seemed as though Arenado might wield his no-trade protection to block a deal. Kiner-Falefa’s .279 wOBA last year is just eight points lower than Arenado’s, and FanGraphs rates them as comparably valuable on defense last year. Kiner-Falefa could serve as a veteran anchor to help fill out the infield alongside Jeff McNeil and Jacob Wilson, while also being a player that’s comfortable moving to a utility role if Max Muncy, Max Schuemann, or Darell Hernaiz breaks out to force the issue.
Atlanta Braves
Ha-Seong Kim is sidelined through at least May, which has changed the outlook of the Braves’ infield mix. Now the team figures to rely on Mauricio Dubon and Jorge Mateo at shortstop to open the season, while also crossing their fingers for rebounds from Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley at second and third base respectively. There’s plenty of upside in that infield, especially if Kim can return healthy and effective later in the year. Kiner-Falefa can provide some stability. If added to the mix, he’d allow Dubon to see more time in the outfield (where he could complement Michael Harris II in center field) and allow the team to lean less heavily on Mateo’s services coming off a 33 wRC+ in 43 games last year. Once Kim returns, Kiner-Falefa could be used as valuable injury insurance given that Riley, Albies, and Kim himself have all contended with plenty of injuries in recent years.
Boston Red Sox
Kiner-Falefa suiting up for the Red Sox would surely come as a disappointment to fans in Boston, as he’d be (at least nominally) replacing Alex Bregman on the infield. The Red Sox have indicated that they might prioritize defense over offense when filling out their infield mix, and being able to mix and match between Marcelo Mayer, David Hamilton, Romy Gonzalez, and Kiner-Falefa on the dirt as needed alongside Trevor Story and Willson Contreras would be a decent budget option if the team fails to land a more notable upgrade. Kiner-Falefa’s ability to play either second or third base could also benefit Mayer, who is a natural shortstop blocked by Story and hasn’t yet been committed to a particular position on the infield for 2026.
Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians could do with an upgrade over Brayan Rocchio and Gabriel Arias up the middle. Rocchio, in particular, posted just 0.4 fWAR last year due to a lackluster 77 wRC+ and below-average defensive metrics at shortstop. Kiner-Falefa wouldn’t be a slam-dunk upgrade but could provide some depth without blocking Travis Bazzana or any of the team’s other young infielders. For a team in need of some serious offensive help, however, Kiner-Falefa wouldn’t really move the needle.
Other Options
The Mariners have flirted with the idea of adding an infielder to keep the seats that will eventually go to Colt Emerson and Cole Young warm, though it should be noted that internal options like Ben Williamson and Leo Rivas may be preferred over adding a more established veteran. The Angels currently have Yoan Moncada, Vaughn Grissom, and Oswald Peraza penciled into their infield. Kiner-Falefa would likely offer a higher floor than any of those players, but Anaheim remains at least theoretically focused on getting Mike Trout back to the postseason and will need to prioritize upside in order to make that happen. The Nationals could view Kiner-Falefa as a worthwhile veteran to add to their infield but may not want to cut playing time away from their young players unless a CJ Abrams deal opens up a spot on the dirt.
Where do MLBTR readers think Kiner-Falefa will eventually land? Could he serve as an affordable starter for a team like the Guardians, A’s, or Nationals? Or would he be better served in a part-time role with a bigger market club like the Braves or Red Sox? Have your say in the poll below:
Probably not the Mariners…
Dodgers
Ruining Baseball!
“Kiner-Falefa, takes a very short lead off third. Here’s the pitch – ground ball up middle, Rojas has it, he throws home, Kiner-Falefa slides and he’s OUT !!! “
Dear Blue Jay Manager/Coaching staff – runners are doubled-off on line drives less than 2% of the time. Ground balls are hit 40-50% of the time !
Braves or return to Yankees or Mets trust me
Pirates still need a SS that can be easily jettisoned when Griffin is ready. They may have burned the IKF bridge last year though.
Dear God, no. His range is limited and he’s just another anemic hitter
No reunion needed with guys like him or Mister Aloof whom they shipped to the Reds
Hey hey hey, be kind – Mr. Aloof’s back is acting up yet again and it’s making him cranky…
Yep. The back. He can do somersaults defensively but his hitting is problematic.
No. Seriously, I wouldn’t wish injury or pain on anyone. But here’s a guy who acted like he was the next Arenado or Machsdo, and as if he’d rather be anywhere else
Nick G is poor defensively at 2B. And right now he’s your Opening Day SS. IKF isn’t great there, but he’s at least more competent than that. With all the young pitchers they have, you can’t afford a traffic cone at SS.
I don’t disagree that they need someone with an actual bat instead, but IKF fits the budget, and having zero upside hasn’t stopped Ben before. It’s not a good move, but it’s definitely a move I can see them making.
Having watched a number of games with IKF I respectfully but strongly disagree with you. This guy is utility. Nothing more.
I agree that he’s a utility level player, and I don’t want him. But Cherington probably does. He clearly values defense at SS/3B over hitting.
IKF really isn’t a shortstop – he lacks range and arm. What he is, though, is a pro who will do what he can to help the team win. Scary to remember when he was the only hitter in the Bucs lineup batting over .250.
Yep. You’re right about that
no, 3b offense is the need not so much SS.
Dodgers should sign him as a thank you for IKF not knowing how to take a primary or secondary lead.
The dodgers lol
I see him going to the Braves on a minor league deal.
He’s getting a major league deal.
This late? Not usually for guys on the fringe
He still posted decent numbers for a contender’s bench and will be a starter on a bad team or one that’s thin in the position he plays in. When the Braves propose a MiLB deal, Falefa and his agent laugh and say goodbye.
And he’ll remain unsigned. Might be why he still is.
A lot of guys have taken minor league deals and made the team in spring training. Some several times and several not exactly unknown.
Sometimes you have to put the ego aside if you want a job in baseball and continue your career. No shame in that.
My guess is the Jays, let’s face it Shapiro & Atkins aren’t the sharpest tools in the drawer. They signed him, traded him & picked him up off waivers, wash, rinse & repeat. 🤣
After he cost them the World Series with timid baserunning? Highly doubt it.
Only if he’d take a minor league deal. Just no space on the roster right now. If there was then yeah, they’d sign him.
Guardians. They haven’t made much moves and IFK seems like a good move. I think they should swoop in and will.
Tv money cut in half. They have spent on zero this off-season. The Ramirez extension actually cut a little off the next few seasons salary for an extension until he’s 39. Deferred money as well. All of their signings otherwise have been minor league.
My guess is Braves. Don’t they need SS?
Dubbbbbbbby.
They have Dubón. The question is if he can start for four months.
He did for Altuve. Had an almost 20 game hitting streak.,
This might be the most underwhelming poll I’ve ever taken part in
LMAO at the notion that IKF deserves a poll question.
Its that time of the off season!
Any team in dire need of baserunning ineptitude that could cost them a World Championship.
Angels will pass on IKF because they need to prioritize upside in an effort to get Trout to the postseason? What signals have the Angels sent this off-season and/or what signings have they made that suggests they’re prioritizing upside?
Braves seem like the best fit for a bench player that will see some play. Proposed setup for the four spots:
1. Baldwin/Profar/Yas/Murphy rotating through C/DH/LF/primary bench PH
2. IKF as utility and emergency catcher to allow Murphy/Baldwin to PH more often and more reasonable backup SS if Dubon gets lifted for a PH
3. Mateo as a seldom used super utility
4. White as RH fourth outfielder seeing some time for Harris against lefties
I think this may be the weakest poll ever even if its a legit question. I would guess the Braves.
I voted no one, ends up in Japan,
As long as it’s not Toronto I don’t care. I also do not care who told him to take the worlds smallest lead at 3B but every single time I see his face I will think of that costing us a WS, no thank you.
I was under the impression that it was Jeff Hoffman giving up that home run to Miguel Rojas that sent the game into extra innings as the cause for Toronto losing the world series if you think about it Toronto should have won the series in game 6 they had men on second and third with no outs Clement popped out on one pitch and I think it was Kirk who lined out to either left or center doubling the man on second who drifted too far off the bag but anyway it’s history now but I agree with you that we don’t want him back either same goes for Bichette as well apparently Vlad jr had no influence on bichette decision too stay in Toronto he decided to take the money instead if I was the GM I would have offered him 8 yrs 216 mil with no opt outs or deferred money but that’s a completely different subject that I tried to post about in December I have moved on from him so good luck to him with the Mets
Wouldn’t be surprised if the Reds signed him.
Bob probably has the wallet under lock and key after signing Geno.
Back to the Twins. Keaschall, Lee, and Lewis all have trouble staying on the field. Keaschall might be moving to left field, clearing the way for IKF at second. Tom Pohlad wants to pretend to be competitive, and this is exactly the low-wattage signing to sell that pipe dream.
What a waste of money that would be
Scratch the Mariners from that list.
My guess would be the Nats. Still expect them to try to move Abrams.
The fact that White Sox and Rockies don’t need him makes you wonder if anybody does.
He is the Tommy Pham of infielders. So I guess somebody will sign him and regret it later. Nobody will want to trade for him at the deadline. Either.
Far East Asia
ROCKIES. Where he goes 20/20 with a .320 BA 100 RS & 60 RBI
Woah, the athletics are getting a second chance with a guy named Max Muncy
Same birthday too.
Who cares!! Article has a lot of words about a player thst has limited ability. And thI s is news?
I voted independent ball or Korea.
Yankees. Was pretty decent player for us.
Reds
It’s a Pirate reunion, baby!
Rockies
Your mom
Who cares? Bench piece at best.
He’d be ideal as a Brewer, but with the Brewers network woes, they probably aren’t signing anyone to anything above a minor league deal this year.
Pirates still need a 3b not so much a SS. IMO The pirates would be better off moving Cruz back to short, let one of the younger guys we picked up go to center and use a combo of Ryan and Andrew in RF. In relation to a IKF signing for SS.
we already have a gold glover that isn’t much of an offensive threat for SS or 3b in Triolo. IKF isn’t bad but not worth spending much and probably will be dfaed again.
IKF to the run prevention sox
I wouldn’t object to IKF return to Pittsburgh. His role will be utility this time around though. 3B, SS, and 2B will need another body and IKF checks the boxes as a backup or plan C to those positions. Pirates don’t have another body to be able to move around the field if (god help us) Triolo is the everyday 3B this upcoming season. Lowe/Horwitz will be your second basemen. Gonzales at SS and O’hearn at first. So, IKF would make sense to have on the bench. Another signing I would like is Ozuna but we all may see McCutchen back to DH. Ozuna will provide some power and smashes left handed pitchers while handling his own against righties. This is his career numbers against righties and lefties:
Against Lefties (LHP): .276 AVG, 67 HR, 206 RBI in 1,487 plate appearances.
Against Righties (RHP): .267 AVG, 229 HR, 742 RBI in 5,228 plate appearances.
It’s wild that no other team has expressed their interest in him sooner. The market was strange this year, but I figured Ozuna would have signed a lot sooner.
Would’ve been a great 1 year signing for the Rays to hold down the fort until Carson Williams is ready, but they are committed to losing with .150 hitting Taylor Walls at Shortstop. Maybe he would be a fit in Toronto?