Isiah Kiner-Falefa is proving to the Pirates he can handle the everyday shortstop job

One of the big questions heading into the Pirates' season was whether or not Isiah Kiner-Falefa could handle the everyday job at shortstop. He has always been known for his glove as a super utility guy, but shortstop was a position that he was below average at, compared to his other homes. Even with that knowledge baked in, it's noteworthy that he has not missed a game yet, and every inning he's played has come at shortstop.

With that much time out there already, Kiner-Falefa is already one of the highest-ranked defenders in the game, with an OAA of one; that ranks in the 86th percentile. Additionally, he has accounted for one defensive run saved, and his fielding run value sits at one as well. The sample is small, of course, and he did make an error in Game 3 against the Rays, but that was a really tough play, as he ended up on the ground following the throw. Not exactly an error that makes you worry of his production.

With Nick Gonzales down, the only backup shortstop on the roster is Jared Triolo, the Gold Glove utility guy. The Pirates need this production from Isiah Kiner-Falefa to stay up defensively, as the options behind him are slim.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa is looking like he belongs as the Pirates' everyday shortstop.

Not only is his glove really working, but his bat has also been a pleasant surprise. Kiner-Falefa is batting .360 (9-for-25) with a run driven in and four stolen bases. His speed on the bases has actually contributed into a historic start. He has kept his strikeout rate low at just 10%, and has impressively walked at a 13% clip. It is still a small sample size, but he walked 16 times in 2024, and is already at four to begin 2025.

His plate discipline has been very productive this season, whiffing at a low 11.8% rate, and that has led to the solid strikeout and walk numbers. Additionally, he is squaring the ball up well at a 36.7% clip. Unfortunately, that has not led to a solid hard-hit rate, barrel percentage, or even an average exit velocity.

Kiner-Falefa was having a career year in Toronto prior to being acquired in 2024 at the trade deadline, but fell apart. It is refreshing to see him figure things out in Pittsburgh, which helps justify the trade after the 2024 collapse. He will be a free agent following the season, and if the Pirates view him as a longer bridge player for a big time prospect like Konnor Griffin, he could be part of the future for longer than just 2025.