3 Teams That Should Sign Kevin Pillar Instead of Trading for High-Cost Outfielder
By Chris Russo
Kevin Pillar is a better ballplayer than people realize. Last season, he recorded a career-high 21 home runs and 88 RBI, earning a singular MVP vote. Not to mention, he is a career .990 fielder, which puts him among the top 65 fielding outfielders in MLB history.
Pillar has never made more than $6 million a season in his seven-year MLB career. There are great outfielders available on the trading block, but here are three teams who should find an option in Pillar for money alone, now that he's been neglected by his former home.
3. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Angels made the odd decision to decline Kole Calhoun's $14 million option for the 2020 season. With rumors abounding that the Angels will sign Gerrit Cole for a boatload of money, Pillar would be an excellent, low-cost option and an even better defensive outfielder. Imagine how scared hitters would be with Mike Trout and Kevin Pillar in the same outfield.
2. Washington Nationals
The defending World Series Champions lost Gerardo Parra, the legend who made "Baby Shark" his walk-up song, to free agency in November. Parra contributed with eight homers and 42 RBI off the bench before signing with Japan's Yomiuri Giants. The Nationals could get another experienced outfielder who can also help in the clubhouse, while Pillar could get a shot at the ring he almost had in Toronto.
1. St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals seem unlikely to re-sign Marcell Ozuna after he declined their qualifying offer in November. Despite hitting 29 home runs and 89 RBI, plus two and five, respectively, in the posteason, Ozuna turned down $17.8 million for the 2020 season. Pillar could fit very well in St. Louis considering his strong defense, blue-collar work ethic, willingness to win, and average price point.