Isiah Kiner-Falefa Signs $15 Million Deal With Yankees’ Rival Blue Jays, Intensifying AL East Showdown

What’s an offseason if it doesn’t come with a little heel turn? It seems this time it’s Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s turn to do the honors. The former Yankees infielder’s free agency was a big topic of discussion. As it stands, he has joined the Yankees’ rivals. The latest reports say that IKF has agreed to sign with the Toronto Blue Jays.

This has come after a month of speculations regarding where would go and whether he’d even stay in the American League East or not. Now that he has chosen to not only stay but to go to a direct rival, things are getting interesting in the division.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa crosses the border to join the Toronto Blue Jays

Isiah Kiner-Falefa became popular with the New York Yankees due to some absurd records that he made. Though never a starter, his name was still quite famous in the Pinstripes. So it’s a surprise that IKF joined the Blue Jays for a two-year, $15 million contract. Per MLB insider Robert Murray, the deal also includes $1 million in incentives. Though a physical is pending, as of now the deal seems all but done. The Blue Jays-Yankees showdown seems to be getting interesting!

During his time with the Yankees, Kiner-Falefa infamously threw a 35 mph pitch, the slowest in the Yankees’ history. In just one year, he became the Bombers’ first position player to pitch three times and steal a home. The bigger question, however, is why did the Blue Jays sign him?

Though IKF has recently played more as a shortstop, his best performance was at third base. It seems the Blue Birds want to use him to increase their depth in that regard. The 2020 Gold Glove winner could prove to be a major defensive addition to the Toronto-based team, though offensively he wouldn’t be of much help. Perhaps the Blue Jays already have a solution for that, as proven by their heavy links with Cody Bellinger.

Although IKF had a topsy-turvy season, Bronx fans were in his favor after clamoring criticism at him in the beginning. But he’s not New York’s problem anymore, it seems.

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These are good signs for the Toronto Blue Jays as they are finally doing something in the market. After losing the Shohei Ohtani race the Blue Jays were quiet, but now with the signings of IKF and Kevin Kiermaier, they are back to their best.

Read more: Amidst Yankees’ Blockbuster Moves, Could the Blue Jays Revive a Faltering Off-Season?