As spring training inches closer, the shortstop market has thinned to the point where Isiah Kiner-Falefa is one of the last notable names still standing. And while he might not be the kind of player who headlines a roster, he’s the type of steady, glove-first veteran who can quietly shore up an infield and bring value in ways that don’t always show up in the box score.
Kiner-Falefa’s career slash line of .262/.311/.349 over eight big-league seasons won’t turn heads, but that’s not what he’s here for. His calling card has always been his defense, and even in a down year split between Toronto and Pittsburgh in 2025 - where he hit .262/.297/.334 with a 75 wRC+ and dipped slightly below average defensively - he still profiles as a useful piece for teams looking to plug holes in their infield depth chart.
With pitchers and catchers reporting in just two weeks, let’s take a look at a few clubs that could be eyeing Kiner-Falefa as a low-cost, high-floor addition.
Oakland Athletics
The A’s have been active - or at least interested - in reshaping their infield this offseason. They reportedly kicked the tires on Nolan Arenado before realizing his no-trade clause might be a dealbreaker. Enter Kiner-Falefa, who’s not Arenado but posted a .279 wOBA last season - just eight points shy of Arenado’s mark - and brought comparable defensive value, according to FanGraphs.
In Oakland, Kiner-Falefa could slot in as a veteran stabilizer next to Jeff McNeil and Jacob Wilson. And if one of their younger options like Max Muncy, Max Schuemann, or Darrel Hernaiz forces his way into the lineup, Kiner-Falefa has the versatility to shift into a utility role. That kind of flexibility is exactly what rebuilding teams like the A’s need as they sort through their long-term pieces.
Atlanta Braves
With Ha-Seong Kim expected to be out until at least May, Atlanta suddenly has a bit of uncertainty in its infield. Mauricio Dubon and Jorge Mateo are the current options at short, but neither offers much offensive punch - especially Mateo, who posted a 33 wRC+ in limited action last year.
Kiner-Falefa wouldn’t necessarily bring a big bat either, but he could offer stability and allow the Braves to optimize their roster. Slotting him in at short would let Dubon see more time in the outfield, where he could pair nicely with Michael Harris II in center. And once Kim returns, Kiner-Falefa becomes premium insurance for a group that includes injury-prone players like Austin Riley, Ozzie Albies, and Kim himself.
For a team with championship aspirations, having a dependable utility option who can handle multiple infield spots is more than just a luxury - it’s a necessity.
Boston Red Sox
If Kiner-Falefa ends up in Boston, it likely means the Red Sox struck out on bigger names. That might not thrill the fanbase, especially if he’s viewed as the replacement for Alex Bregman. But there’s a method to the move.
Boston appears to be leaning toward defense-first solutions in the infield. Pairing Kiner-Falefa with a rotating cast that includes Marcelo Mayer, David Hamilton, Romy Gonzalez, Trevor Story, and Willson Contreras could give the Sox enough coverage across the diamond while keeping their payroll flexible.
Kiner-Falefa’s ability to play both second and third could also buy Mayer some time to find his footing in the majors, especially since the top prospect is naturally a shortstop but currently blocked by Story. It’s not the flashiest fit, but it’s a sensible one.
Cleveland Guardians
Cleveland’s middle infield situation is far from settled. Brayan Rocchio struggled to a 77 wRC+ last season and didn’t grade out well defensively, while Gabriel Arias hasn’t locked down a starting role either.
Kiner-Falefa wouldn’t be a massive upgrade, but he’d give the Guardians a veteran option who won’t get in the way of top prospects like Travis Bazzana. That’s key for a team trying to walk the line between competing now and developing for the future.
That said, Cleveland’s real issue is offense, and Kiner-Falefa won’t do much to help there. If they’re looking for a spark with the bat, they may need to look elsewhere.
Other Possibilities
There are a few more teams lurking on the fringes of the Kiner-Falefa conversation.
- Seattle Mariners: They’ve been linked to veteran infielders as a stopgap for prospects like Colt Emerson and Cole Young. But with internal options like Ben Williamson and Leo Rivas in the mix, they may prefer to keep things in-house unless someone like Kiner-Falefa comes at a bargain.
- Los Angeles Angels: The infield group of Yoan Moncada, Vaughn Grissom, and Oswald Peraza has plenty of question marks. Kiner-Falefa would raise the floor, but the Angels are still trying to build a playoff-caliber roster around Mike Trout. That means chasing upside, not just stability.
- Washington Nationals: If the Nats want a veteran presence to help guide their young infielders, Kiner-Falefa fits the mold. But unless they move someone like CJ Abrams, it’s hard to see them carving out enough playing time without stalling development.
Kiner-Falefa won’t be the kind of late-offseason signing that makes headlines, but he’s the type of player who can quietly help a team win a few more games. Whether it’s as a stopgap starter on a rebuilding club or a utility piece on a contender, his glove and versatility still hold value - especially with spring training just around the corner.