Isiah Kiner-Falefa is a versatile American professional baseball player known for his defensive prowess and adaptability across multiple positions.

Who is Isiah Kiner-Falefa? Everything to know about him

Isiah Kiner-Falefa is an American professional baseball player born on March 23, 1995, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He made his Major League Baseball debut on April 10, 2018, with the Texas Rangers. Over his career, he has demonstrated remarkable versatility, playing multiple positions including shortstop, third base, and outfield.

Kiner-Falefa signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays ahead of the 2024 season. During 2024, he played 83 games for the Blue Jays before being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 30. The Blue Jays later reclaimed him off waivers from the Pirates in August 2025. This transaction was to free up roster space for injured right-hander Yimi García, who required elbow surgery and was placed on the 60-day injured list.

With eight major league seasons under his belt, Kiner-Falefa has also played for the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers. Known as a utility man, his defensive flexibility and steady bat have made him a valuable asset. Prior to his current stint with Toronto, he showcased consistent performance and adaptability, contributing significantly to each team’s infield and outfield options.

Who are Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s parents?

Isiah Kiner-Falefa has spoken warmly about the strong influence of his mother, Kimberly, on his life and career. Reflecting on his upbringing in Hawaii, he said, “My parents taught me a lot growing up, especially being from Hawaii. My mom was a big influence on me. It’s not easy to come over to the States and live on your own, but she was always there for me and helped me grow up and taught me the basics of life of respect, discipline, and the way to go about my business.”

He also shared a vivid memory that illustrates the life lessons his mother imparted: “There was one day after school we went to the beach and I was always kind of scared to go deep and she taught me to face my fears. We went swimming about 100 yards out and the water was about 15-20 feet deep. I was kind of scared and I saw a huge turtle. When you see turtles, you know there are sharks around, especially that deep. I started getting scared and when I saw her going and going and going, it showed a lot about her and where we come from and what we wanted to be like…. It was cool, when we swam back in, I think later that night, I was hanging out with one of my friends and he said, ‘Did you hear about that tiger shark sighting?’ I guess there was a tiger shark out there but the way she attacked and the way she went after it, was what she preached my whole life: face your fears and be disciplined and be respectful and be who you are. From that moment on, I faced my fears, especially when I came to the States. I kept at it. I’m here now today because of what she did.”

Kiner-Falefa also explained the significance of his name, saying, “My mother and father never married, so their son took on both last names. It’s actually a blessing because if they were married, I’d only have the Falefa. So I’m still able to have the Kiner and pass that on.” He sees the dual surname as a way to honor both sides of his heritage.

Who is his wife, Tayea Chun?

Isiah Kiner-Falefa married his girlfriend of four years, Tayea Chun, on December 21, 2024, in Hawaii. The couple, both born and raised in Hawaii, held their wedding ceremony at the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute on the island of Oahu. Their celebration was deeply connected to their Hawaiian roots, incorporating goods from several local Hawaiian businesses.

The ceremony took place outdoors under a white flower arch by Su-V Expressions, with gentle waves crashing in the background and palm trees swaying, creating a romantic island ambiance. Tayea Chun and Isiah exchanged traditional vows in this beautiful, natural setting. The event was intimate yet joyful, attended by 228 close family and friends.

The couple embraced many local traditions and incorporated Hawaiian cuisine into their reception, highlighting their love for their home state. The wedding featured heartfelt moments such as Isiah walking their dog Bella down the aisle and included special performances by local musicians, making the day both personal and memorable.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa Net Worth in 2025

Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s net worth in 2025 reflects his successful career in Major League Baseball, with total career earnings amounting to approximately $28,908,953. This impressive sum comes from his contracts, salaries, bonuses, and endorsements accumulated over his years playing for teams like the Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Pittsburgh Pirates. His financial success highlights his steady progression and value as a versatile utility player in MLB.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa MLB contract, salary and bonuses

Isiah Kiner-Falefa signed a 2-year, $15,000,000 contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, including $15,000,000 guaranteed and an average annual salary of $7,500,000.

* Plate Appearances: $250,000 each for 500, 550
* MVP Award
1st: $150,000
 2nd: $125,000
 3rd: $100,000
 4th: $75,000
 5th: $50,000
* $50,000 each for All-Star, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, WS MVP
* $25,000 for LCS MVP

Inside his professional career

Isiah Kiner-Falefa attended Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu, Hawaii, and was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the fourth round of the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft. He made his major league debut on April 10, 2018, against the Los Angeles Angels. During his rookie season, Kiner-Falefa appeared in 111 games, hitting .261/.325/.357 with 4 home runs and 34 RBIs while playing various positions including catcher, third base, shortstop, and second base.

On March 12, 2022, the Texas Rangers traded Kiner-Falefa and pitcher Ronny Henriquez to the Minnesota Twins for catcher Mitch Garver. Just one day later, Minnesota traded him alongside Ben Rortvedt and Josh Donaldson to the New York Yankees. As the Yankees’ starting shortstop in 2022, he posted a .261 batting average with 4 home runs and 48 RBIs over 142 games.

Kiner-Falefa signed a two-year, $15 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on December 29, 2023. In the 2024 season, he played 83 games for Toronto, hitting .292/.338/.420 with seven home runs and 33 RBIs. On July 30, 2024, the Blue Jays traded him to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Charles McAdoo. In August 2025, the Blue Jays reclaimed Kiner-Falefa off waivers from the Pirates. For the combined 2024–2025 seasons, he batted .262/.397/.334 in 138 games for both teams.

Career totals reveal a solid MLB hitter with a .262 average, 36 home runs, 286 RBIs, and 100 stolen bases over eight seasons. Kiner-Falefa is known for his versatility on defense and consistent offensive contributions.