Kinner-Falefa Comments on Rivalry and Past Teams

Isaiah Kiner-Falefa recently stirred things up following his one-year signing with the Boston Red Sox. He mentioned that he and some ex-teammates from the Blue Jays were hoping for the Yankees to defeat the Red Sox last year in the Wild Card round, suggesting it would provide them with an “easier matchup” in the Division Series, as noted by Tim Healy.

“I thought we would have had a better chance had we gone the other way,” Kiner-Falefa expressed when speaking to reporters on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old has had his share of ups and downs during his time with the Yankees. In 2022, he was the regular shortstop but later took on a super-utility role behind Anthony Volpe. After spending parts of 2024 and 2025 with both the Blue Jays and Pirates, he returned to Toronto as they were gearing up for their first World Series appearance since 1993.

In 2025, both Toronto and New York finished with the best records in the American League, but the Blue Jays held the tiebreaker after sweeping the Yankees during the regular season. After New York rebounded from a Game 1 defeat to beat the Red Sox in three games, the Blue Jays were eager for a rematch. They ended up enjoying a decisive victory over New York in the ALDS, winning 34-19.

Kiner-Falefa, who posted a .162 batting average with two RBIs in 15 postseason games, is part of a growing list of former Yankees who have made impactful statements after joining rival teams. Last December, new pitcher Sonny Gray mentioned he appreciated being in a place where he could openly dislike the Yankees, and Aroldis Chapman has even declared he would never return to the Bronx, “not even dead.”

As Opening Day approaches, the rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox is heating up, with their first meeting this season set for April 21-23 at Fenway Park.