By: Alex Gajovich Protich
Days after the Mookie Betts-Dodgers rumors turned into an actual trade, the Red Sox signed former Blue Jays and Giants outfielder Kevin Pillar. This seems like a smart move going into the Spring, knowing the Sox just dealt the 4x All-Star OF Mookie Betts and former ace David Price. Pillar was a Blue Jay from the time he was drafted in 2011 until they traded him to the Giants for IF Alen Hanson, RHPs Derek Law, and Juan De Paula. It is somewhat surprising that the Giants did not tender Pillar’s contract, knowing it was the best year of his career. Here are his stats with Toronto and San Francisco:
Toronto Blue Jays (2013-2019)
Games Played: 695
BA: .260
HR: 55
RBI: 232
SB:69
OBP:.692
SLG:.396
OPS:.392
San Francisco Giants (2019)
Games Played: 156
BA: .264
HR: 21
RBI: 87
SB:14
OBP:.293
SLG:.442
OPS:.735
Putting aside his offensive stats, he is also a great defensive asset in the outfield. He won the Wilson Player of the Year Award in 2015 and the Fielding Bible Award for his play in center field in 2016. In 2019 on defense, he was 3rd in the league in both his range factor/game as an outfielder (2.30) and his fielding percentage as a center fielder (.986). He also is an average base stealer. Last year, he stole 14 bases and only got caught five times. Pillar also concluded his Toronto career with a 75.82% stolen base percentage, 8th on the Blue Jays’ all-time list.
Going into the Spring, Pillar will face some competition to get an outfield starting job. Besides incumbent starting outfielders Andrew Benintendi and Jackie Bradley Jr, he will compete with J.D. Martinez (likely DH), recently acquired former Dodger Alex Verdugo (currently injured), and former top prospect Rusney Castillo (non-roster invitee). Kevin Pillar has an advantage, which is knowing the division rivals well.
Lots of Red Sox fans will miss the star in Mookie Betts. While Kevin Pillar certainly is not a 4x All-Star, he does bring the right stats to the table for an 8-year veteran. Once Verdugo is back, Pillar could provide some nice depth to a hefty Red Sox outfield.
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