The recipient of the SF Giants’ Willie Mac Award in 2019, veteran outfielder Kevin Pillar, is embarking on a new journey as he joins the Chicago White Sox on a minor league deal, according to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors. The deal includes the potential for Pillar to earn a salary of $3 million if he secures a spot on the major league roster. The White Sox, focused on bolstering their defense this winter, have made significant moves to fortify their team.
One notable transaction involved acquiring versatile infielder Nicky Lopez in a seven-player trade, which saw reliever Aaron Bummer heading to the Atlanta Braves. Additionally, the White Sox strengthened their catching corps by adding Martín Maldonado and Max Stassi. They further solidified their defensive lineup by signing Paul DeJong to provide reliable shortstop play.
Although none of these acquisitions boast Gold Glove-caliber defense, many are recognized for being above-average with their fielding skills. While Chicago’s defensive capabilities seem to have improved, concerns linger about the offensive potency of the lineup, particularly with the inclusion of these new faces.
In the earlier stages of his career, Pillar was renowned for his exceptional skills as a defensive center fielder. Despite his defensive prowess, Pillar often found himself overshadowed by Kevin Kiermaier of the Tampa Bay Rays, widely regarded as the best defensive outfielder for the past decade.
Pillar’s journey includes spending seven seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays before a surprising trade in 2019 sent him to the San Francisco Giants. During his tenure with the Giants, Pillar became a consistent presence in the lineup, boasting a slash line of.264/.293/.442 (92 OPS+), with 21 home runs, 87 RBIs, and 82 runs in 628 plate appearances. His impactful contributions earned him the Willie Mac Award in 2019.
Despite his successful stint with the Giants, Pillar faced a non-tender decision after the 2020 season due to the team’s assessment of the cost outweighing his overall value. While initially unpopular, this move proved to be strategic, as Pillar has since navigated various teams, including the Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Atlanta Braves. Often signing on through minor league deals, Pillar, now 35, continues to bring his defensive prowess to the outfield, showcasing versatility by occasionally playing center field. Although his offensive output has diminished, Pillar remains a valuable asset for his defensive capabilities in the outfield corners.
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