Ranking every relevant Blue Jays offseason signing (so far)

4. Isiah Kiner-Falefa

Among one of the first relevant signings by the Jays this offseason, Isiah Kiner-Falefa inked a two-year, $15M deal during the Christmas break. IKF provides great flexibility for the Jays because he possesses the ability to play strong defense all over the field. This was exemplified when he saw action last season in almost every position other than first base and catcher with the New York Yankees. Funnily enough, he did come up through the minors as a catcher, too. Along with his speed and ability to hit for a decent average, his overall tool set makes him a decent viable replacement for departed utilityman Whit Merrifield.

For his career, Kiner-Falefa sports a .261 batting average, while averaging close to 70 runs scored, 50 RBI and 20 stolen bases over a 162-game schedule pace. However, he had a down year offensively in 2023 with the Yankees in which he compiled a .242 batting average with a .646 OPS, along with 39 runs scored, 6 home runs, 37 RBI and 14 stolen bases in 113 games of action. On the good side, Kiner-Falefa has always flashed a solid glove on defense, including taking home Gold Glove honours back in 2020 with the Texas Rangers as a third baseman.

If the intent of the Jays is to use IKF as a super-sub, very much like how Merrifield was deployed in 2022, then the signing can be classified as an adequate one. However, if he will be used primarily as the replacement for Matt Chapman at third base as some are speculating, then the signing would represent a considerable downgrade from last season due to the massive decrease in offensive potential. There is also the uncertainty that exists on whether or not he will be a starter or bench player as well, which would affect his overall value on the team.