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Blue Jays: Current and former big leaguers offer their perspective on Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s base running in Game 7
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Photo credit: © John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Evan Stack
Nov 4, 2025, 12:00 ESTUpdated: Nov 4, 2025, 04:50 EST
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It’s probably not too much of a stretch to say that every play in the World Series is held under a microscope, ready for every baseball fan to dissect.
This year’s World Series was no different, especially when you consider this year’s tilt between the Blue Jays and the Dodgers went the full seven-game distance, including an 18-inning Game 3. Baseball viewers have given their two cents on just about everything, but one topic in particular has some MLB players – past and present – speaking out on social media, attempting to educate those who haven’t been in their shoes.
That brings us to Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who pinch ran for Bo Bichette during the ninth inning of Game 7 on Saturday night. Following a walk and a hit batter, Kiner-Falefa sat at third base, representing not just the winning run, but the World Series-winning run with Daulton Varsho at the plate with only one out.
Unfortunately, Varsho grounded a ball to second base that was fielded by Miguel Rojas. After a bit of a slip, Rojas collected himself and threw the ball to home plate, where Kiner-Falefa was out by a matter of inches.
Following the game, that force out at home quickly became a talking point amongst many baseball fans. For those who had criticism, the question that was in the majority was (amongst other words), “Why didn’t Kiner-Falefa have a larger lead?”
It’s a fair question, but Kiner-Falefa’s options also presented a double-edged sword. A larger lead does put him closer to home plate, and he’s likely safe on that ground ball. However, let’s say Varsho lined a rocket to Rojas and Kiner-Falefa was doubled up. Shouldn’t he protect against that?
That’s where the players chimed in.
Tommy Pham, a 12-year veteran and teammate of Kiner-Falefa in Pittsburgh this past season, was one of the first to share his thoughts. Pham brought up the possibility of Kiner-Falefa getting picked off had his lead been too large. He also replied to a post that has since been deleted that he had seen former Gold and Platinum Glove winner Yadier Molina “back pick a lot of guys with short leads.”
Former Blue Jay Whit Merrifield also jumped into the discourse while also responding to several of the replies to his own comments. Similar to Pham, Merrifield specified in one of his posts that it’s important to get to a point where you can’t get picked off or doubled up. He also doubled down on Kiner-Falefa’s actions being commonplace, saying, “30 other clubs would be telling IKF the same thing.”
“I believe it’s the right play with a bad result,” Merrifield also wrote.
Another player that was almost as extensive and responsive as Merrifield (if not, more) was another former Blue Jay and 17-year vet, Justin Turner. Amongst his insightful thread, Turner highlighted two big points that could validate Kiner-Falefa’s lead. For one, the bases being loaded means there is a force play at home. If a ball is hit on the ground, as happened in this instance, the throw from the infielder is more than likely coming home, meaning Kiner-Falefa is going to be out more often than not.
This brings up the next point of taking the out at home still gives the next hitter a chance to drive a run in with two outs. This opportunity is eliminated if Kiner-Falefa is doubled up on a line drive, and the momentum goes 100% to the Dodgers. Hence, shortening up is the safer play.
Turner also shed light on Kiner-Falefa’s slide, which was also critiqued by many others. “I’ve also seen a million times people upset at someone for not sliding,” Turner said. “I think this is 1st time people are upset for someone sliding. It’s actually pretty crazy.”
Justin Turner
Justin Turner
@redturn2
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This was my next point & highlights the whatifisms of die hard fans. U can’t be mad that you were over aggressive to end game 6 and at the same time be mad you weren’t aggressive enough in game 7. I get it, it so easy to play it back over and over. Players don’t have that luxury.

Doughertyr
Doughertyr
@rdbrett5

Lot of experts here. They also got doubled up to end the game very recently as well. Plenty of blame to go around.

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These were just a few examples of players who offered their insight from their own experiences. While the above three guys offer some defence for Kiner-Falefa, A.J. Pierzynski and Erik Kratz of Foul Territory both agreed that his secondary lead should’ve been better, with Kratz saying he shouldn’t have slid. Revisiting the potential of a back pick, Pierzynski made the point that Will Smith trying to throw Kiner-Falefa out at third left so much margin for error with the chance that his throw would end up in the outfield, so you could largely rule that out.
Pierzysnki also referenced Addison Barger running into an out to end Game 6, and pondered whether or not the Blue Jays were holding a safer approach with that play in the back of their heads.
Some agree, some disagree with what Kiner-Falefa did. Or, you could be like former Oakland A’s pitcher Dallas Braden, who poked fun at the casual fan, hilariously dubbing them “Steve in sales,” who played for their men’s league team.
At the end of the day, Kiner-Falefa was damned if he did, and damned if he didn’t. That play will carry weight given the point in the game at which it occurred, but there were also many other opportunities that the Blue Jays had to win that series. Nonetheless, it’s entertaining to hear the professionals provide their opinion on the game. Besides, they’re the ones who have been in that very position.

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