Blue Jays pick up Isiah Kiner-Falefa off waivers from Pirates

Field Level Media|published: Sun 31st August, 15:22 2025

Aug 19, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa (7) high-fives in the dugout after driving in a run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Toronto Blue Jays claimed utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.

The timing of the move, coming before Sept. 1, makes Kiner-Falefa eligible for the Blue Jays' postseason roster.

This marks Kiner-Falefa's second stint with the Blue Jays. He was part of the squad last season before being traded to the Pirates at the deadline for minor league second baseman Charles McAdoo.

Kiner-Falefa, 30, batted .292 with seven homers and 33 RBIs in 83 games for Toronto prior to the deal.

This season with Pittsburgh, Kiner-Falefa batted .264 with one homer and 35 RBIs in 119 games. He started 93 games at shortstop and 24 at third base.

The versatile Kiner-Falefa can also play second base and the outfield. He also spent time at catcher early in his career for the Texas Rangers.

Kiner-Falefa has a .262 career average with 35 homers and 281 RBIs in 899 games with the Rangers (2018-21), the New York Yankees (2022-23), Toronto (2024) and Pittsburgh (2024-25).

The Blue Jays are moving right-hander Yimi Garcia to the 60-day IL to open up a 40-man roster spot for Kiner-Falefa. The team announced Friday that Garcia will undergo season-ending elbow surgery.

Also, Pittsburgh recalled outfielder Ryan Kreidler from Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday.

Kreidler, 27, was claimed off waivers from the Detroit Tigers on Aug. 24. He has played in 89 games over four seasons with Detroit and batted .138 with two homers and eight RBIs.

--Field Level Media

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