Isiah Kiner-Falefa Drops Bold Comment On His Ability After Red Sox Trade

The Boston Red Sox signed veteran infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa to a one-year, $6 million deal to add some more depth to their bench.

Kiner-Falefa knew when he signed, he’d be a bench player, as Boston informed him the team was still looking to trade for a starting infielder. The Red Sox ended up trading for Caleb Durbin, who should be the team’s everyday thirdbaseman.

However, although Kiner-Falefa is relegated to a bench role, he believes that is where he thrives, as he thinks he’s one of the best utility players in the MLB.

“I think I’m best as a true utility player,” Kiner-Falefa said on Tuesday, via The Athletic. “Not many people can do it. You see the Kikés (Hernandez), the Chris Taylors, Brock Holts, these guys who’ve had so much success, and they’re valuable, valuable players.

“So having that opportunity to really dive into that utility role, instead of just playing one position and being a mid position player, I get to focus on being one of the top utility players in the league.”

Kiner-Falefa is expected to play second base, third base, and shortstop to give Durbin, Marcelo Mayer, and Trevor Story days off when they need.

The veteran infielder also pointed to Rob Refsnyder having success in a similar role in Boston as to why he signed with the Red Sox.

“The way Refsnyder bounced around and then landed a great deal is a good example for me to see how the Red Sox develop hitters, not just young guys, but the middle-aged players,” Kiner-Falefa said.

“Romy (Gonzalez), the things that he’s been able to do too. So, just looking across the roster, the steps that the young guys make, the veterans, the middle players, it was very eye-opening for me. I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”

Kiner-Falefa hit .262 with two home runs and 40 RBIs last season.