Schneider Defends Kiner-Falefa After World Series Game 7 Incident

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider publicly defended Isiah Kiner-Falefa following the controversial final play in Game 7 of the World Series. Kiner-Falefa was thrown out at home plate while attempting to score a championship-winning run, falling just an inch short. Schneider expressed his disappointment that Kiner-Falefa faced the brunt of the blame for the play during the winter meetings in Orlando, Florida, on December 5, 2023.

“I feel so bad for Izzy for getting all the blame,” Schneider stated. He acknowledged that there could have been a better strategy to help Kiner-Falefa gain a more substantial lead off third base. The moment intensified after Miguel Rojas hit a tying home run for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the top of the ninth inning, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

With one out in the bottom of the ninth, Bo Bichette singled off Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell, and Kiner-Falefa entered the game as a pinch runner. Following a walk from Addison Barger and a hit-by-pitch on Alejandro Kirk, the bases were loaded. Kiner-Falefa took a notably short lead of just 7.8 feet, the fourth-shortest primary lead recorded during the World Series, according to MLB Statcast. His secondary lead of 8.9 feet when Snell released the pitch was also among the shortest throughout the Series.

As the Dodgers played the infield in, Daulton Varsho hit a ground ball to Rojas, who managed to recover from a stumble before throwing to catcher Will Smith. The plate umpire, Jordan Baker, ruled Kiner-Falefa out after determining that Smith had touched home plate just ahead of Kiner-Falefa’s slide. This decision was confirmed after a 70-second video review.

“I’ve seen that video 3,000 times, and in 1,500 of them it looks like Will’s off the plate. In the other half, it looks like he’s on,” Schneider reflected on the call. He added that Kiner-Falefa’s actions were influenced by strategic discussions regarding Smith’s tendency to back-pick to third base with left-handed hitters at bat. Schneider highlighted the importance of caution in a bases-loaded situation, noting the risks of getting back-picked or doubled up on a line drive.

Kiner-Falefa’s slide has also come under scrutiny, but Schneider defended his actions. “I don’t really think that he could have done much more,” he explained. He acknowledged the unpredictability of the play, suggesting that various outcomes could have led to a different result, including a fielding error from Rojas or a wide throw from Smith.

As the season concluded with the Dodgers claiming their second consecutive title with a 5-4, 11-inning victory, Schneider still has mixed feelings about the way the game ended. “Every time I kind of go down a rabbit hole, I find myself in a new rabbit hole,” he admitted, reflecting on the emotional aftermath. While he has not yet reviewed all the game footage, he plans to do so in a more relaxed setting, perhaps with a few drinks, to appreciate the game from a fan’s perspective.

Schneider also touched on the AL Manager of the Year voting, playfully noting that he finished second to Stephen Vogt of the Cleveland Guardians, a voting process that took place before the postseason. “It’s such a weird award,” he remarked, looking back at previous winners who often faced job changes shortly after receiving the honor.

As the Blue Jays look ahead to the upcoming season, Schneider’s focus remains on fostering a supportive environment for his players, especially in high-pressure situations like the World Series.