Boston Red Sox (Image Credit: Getty Images)

MLB Rumors: Boston Red Sox Sign Former Yankees Star

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Paranjoy Goswami | Last updated Feb 5, 2026 4:02 AM ET

The Boston Red Sox front office is having a mixed offseason so far. They came in for sharp criticism from the fans after missing out on their top free agent targets. Nevertheless, they have some interesting additions, which certainly make the team a stronger unit than last year.

On Wednesday evening, several sources, including Chris Cotillo of MassLive, reported that the Boston Red Sox signed utility infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa to a one-year contract. The deal is worth $6 million but is still pending a physical. Cotill later added that Kiner-Falefa will receive a $500,000 incentive based on plate appearances.

“Boston is in agreement on a one-year contract with Isiah Kiner-Falefa, sources confirmed to MassLive on Wednesday,” Cotillo wrote in his article for MassLive. “The deal will pay Kiner-Falefa a $6 million salary in 2026, according to a source, and includes $500,000 in potential incentives based on plate appearances. The contract is pending a physical.”

Kiner-Falefa's deal has $500k worth of incentives in it, too, based on plate appearances. https://t.co/i9zsDFwzBl
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) February 5, 2026

This is the fifth different MLB franchise for Kiner-Falefar since making his debut with the Texas Rangers in 2018. The 31-year-old also had two solid seasons with the New York Yankees. Last year, he started the season with the Pittsburgh Pirates but ended it with the Toronto Blue Jays at the World Series after they claimed him off waivers at the end of August.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa Could Get Starting Role in Red Sox Infield

Isiah Kiner-Falefa (Image Credits: Imagn)

Chris Cotillo believes Isiah Kiner-Falefa could have a starting role in the Boston Red Sox lineup, with Marcelo Mayer taking one of the two vacant spots in their infield. Manager Alex Cora may prefer the pair over other infield options on the team.

“The Red Sox currently have openings at both third base and second base with Alex Bregman having departed for the Cubs. It’s expected Kiner-Falefa and Marcelo Mayer will be in the mix for those two spots along with other internal options like Romy Gonzalez, David Hamilton, Nate Eaton, and Nick Sogard,” Cotillo wrote.

Isaiah Kiner-Falefa played 138 games in 2025. Worth 0.7 fWAR.

Ended up hitting .262/.297/.334/.631 for a 76 OPS+ in 459 PA. Stole 15 bases in 19 attempts. Had 1 DRS and -3 OAA in 817 innings at SS. 3 DRS, 2 OAA in 256.2 innings at 3B. 1 DRS, 0 OAA in 26.1 innings at 2B. pic.twitter.com/Jkq9KeB6CV
— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) February 5, 2026

The defensive versatility of Kiner-Falefa will surely help Cora provide greater balance to the Red Sox lineup, even though he can be inconsistent in the batter’s box. The Hawaii-born shortstop has logged at least 40 innings in eight positions over his career, including every outfield spot and catcher. Meanwhile, he is a .262/.311/.349 lifetime hitter with an 82 OPS+.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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