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Toronto Blue Jays’ confidence during last season’s postseason run may have gone deeper than fans realized. Former New York Yankees infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa has now revealed that Toronto quietly believed its clearest path to the American League Championship Series came through a familiar rival rather than Boston.
Speaking to Tim Healy of The Boston Globe, Kiner-Falefa disclosed that the Blue Jays were privately satisfied when the Red Sox exited the playoffs, convinced that the New York Yankees would be a more manageable matchup.
“Isiah Kiner-Falefa said the Blue Jays were glad the Red Sox lost in the playoffs last year,” Healy reported on X/Twitter, “because they thought the Yankees were an easier matchup.”
Confidence rooted in matchups and momentum
That belief was ultimately validated on the field. Toronto eliminated New York three games to one in the best-of-five AL Division Series, advancing to the AL Championship Series with authority.
After the two clubs finished the regular season deadlocked at 94–68, Toronto Blue Jays held the head-to-head tiebreaker, earning home-field advantage and entering the series with tangible momentum.
Toronto capitalized immediately at Rogers Centre, delivering consecutive blowout victories in Games 1 and 2. The offensive surge was punctuated by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s first postseason grand slam in franchise history, a moment that underscored the club’s readiness for October baseball.
Yankees fall short as Toronto Blue Jays closes strong
New York managed to extend the series with a 9–6 win in Game 3 at Yankee Stadium, but any hopes of a comeback were short-lived. The Blue Jays sealed the series in Game 4 with a composed 5–2 victory, ending New York Yankees’ postseason run and reinforcing Toronto’s belief that this was the matchup they wanted.
Kiner-Falefa’s role and perspective
Kiner-Falefa, who spent part of the 2025 season with Toronto, contributed primarily through defensive versatility and depth during the series.
While his offensive numbers were modest—he went 0-for-6 with a strikeout—his presence reflected Toronto Blue Jays’ emphasis on flexibility and matchup-based planning.
The comments carry added weight given Kiner-Falefa’s history with New York. He played for New York Yankees from 2022 to 2023, initially earning praise for his bat and glove before defensive inconsistencies led to criticism and a reduced role during the 2022 ALDS.
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