Blue Jays' Kiner-Falefa's Short Lead Cost Game 7 World Series to Dodgers

In Game 7 of the 2025 World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays narrowly lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers, with a key moment hinging on Isiah Kiner-Falefa's short lead off third base in the bottom of the ninth inning. Kiner-Falefa, who was pinch-running, was thrown out by a close throw from Miguel Rojas, who had earlier tied the game with a home run. Kiner-Falefa explained that he took a small lead as instructed by coaches to avoid being doubled off on a hard line drive, despite that being a rare outcome for the batter, Daulton Varsho. This coaching decision and Kiner-Falefa's cautious baserunning have been widely questioned, with some arguing it cost the Blue Jays a chance at their first World Series title since the early 1990s. Kiner-Falefa received hateful messages and threats following the play, highlighting the intense scrutiny players face in such high-stakes moments. Despite the loss, some observers defended Kiner-Falefa's actions as following coaching strategy, though the play remains a critical point of analysis for the Blue Jays' offseason.