Isiah Kiner-Falefa revealed he was following Toronto's organizational policy when he took an unusually short lead at third base during the decisive ninth inning of Game 7. The veteran infielder, who finalized a $6 million, one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, explained that Toronto consistently instructed runners to keep short leads with runners on third to prevent pickoffs.

Kiner-Falefa's 7.8-foot primary lead was the fourth-shortest by a runner off third during the World Series, according to MLB Statcast. His 8.9-foot secondary lead when the pitcher released the ball ranked eighth-shortest at third base during the series. The Dodgers' infield positioning and Daulton Varsho's ground ball to second baseman Daulton Varsho created a bang-bang play that ultimately cost the Blue Jays their championship opportunity.

Reflecting on the controversial play that has dominated offseason discussions, Kiner-Falefa emphasized it was neither his nor third base coach Carlos Febles' fault. He noted he never considered attempting to score without sliding, focusing instead on breaking up a potential double play. The 30-year-old, who hit .162 in the postseason, brings eight seasons of experience to Boston after stops with Texas, the Yankees, Toronto, and Pittsburgh.