In a candid interview from Fort Myers, Florida, former Toronto Blue Jays infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa has opened up about the pivotal play in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series that left fans heartbroken. Now a member of the Boston Red Sox, Kiner-Falefa expressed regret over his actions but emphasized he was adhering to directives from the Blue Jays coaching staff.
Following Organizational Orders
Kiner-Falefa revealed that during the ninth inning, with the score tied and bases loaded, he maintained a short lead off third base as per team protocol. "If I could do it over, I definitely would have got a couple steps out," he admitted. "But you've got to do what the organization wants. That's been the thing there. With runners in that situation, they always keep the runner close at third." This decision proved costly when a grounder by Daulton Varsho led to a throw home that beat Kiner-Falefa by a mere inch, squandering a potential World Series victory for the Jays.
Media Silence and Aftermath
Beyond the play itself, Kiner-Falefa voiced frustration over the post-game handling of the incident. He claimed he was denied the opportunity to address the media immediately, which allowed speculation to spiral without his input. "My only regret is the way everything went down after," he stated. "I just wish I would have had the opportunity to speak to the media. If it was going to be such a big deal, it would have been nice to have the camera in my face and a chance to speak. It blew up without me getting a proper interview, so I thought that was unfair."
He stressed that the loss was a collective team failure, not solely due to his play, and called it a "great learning experience." Kiner-Falefa signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox in the offseason, adding an extra layer of intrigue to future AL East matchups.
