Outfielder Kevin Pillar has chosen to turn out to be a free agent relatively than an settle for an outright task to Triple-A Charlotte, the White Sox introduced. Pillar was designated for task earlier this week and cleared waivers, however since he has excess of three years of MLB service time, Pillar has the fitting to reject any outright assignments in favor of a return journey to the open market.
Pillar first signed with Chicago on a minor league deal through the offseason, however after being launched from that contract close to the top of Spring Coaching, shortly re-signed with the Sox for a assured huge league deal. Pillar ended up showing in 17 video games for the White Sox, hitting .160/.290/.360 over 32 plate appearances and performing largely as a late-game substitute.
Now in his twelfth Main League season, the 35-year-old Pillar has not often proven a lot on the plate however carved out a job as a wonderful defensive middle fielder throughout his heyday with the Blue Jays. Even after Toronto traded Pillar early within the 2019 season, he continued to obtain kind of on a regular basis work till falling into extra of a part-time capability during the last 4 seasons. This stretch included platoon/bench roles with the Mets in 2021 and the Braves in 2023, and he was slated for the same position with the Dodgers in 2022 however performed in solely 4 video games earlier than a fractured shoulder ended his season.
Pillar ought to draw some seems from groups considering including veteran depth in any respect three outfield positions, plus some restricted pop towards left-handed pitching (the righty-swinging Pillar is a profession .277/.310/.460 hitter towards southpaws). It wouldn’t be fully shocking to see Pillar once more circle again to the White Sox if he can’t discover a deal wherever else, although Chicago kind of changed Pillar with Tommy Pham, and would possibly transfer extra in the direction of youthful gamers anyway later within the season if and when veterans are dealt on the commerce deadline.
