New York Mets and free agent Kevin Pillar’s outfield have a one-year deal awaiting a well-known physical tweet from SNY journalist Andy Martino. It’s expected to be a major league dealadds Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Veteran pylon “Superman” would be the second notable addition in the last week for the Mets, who previously signed former Albert Almora Jr. chicks.
Like Almora, Pillar will provide depths for the Mets, who, at least for now, should start left-handed Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto and Dominic Smith in 2021.
Of course, that could change if the Mets make another major acquisition – signing, say, Jackie Bradley Jr., the top ranked free agent in the free agency, or landing a transaction for the Cubs, third baseman / outfielder Kris. Bryant. Mets fans would probably prefer a move like this, but the team could start the year with the distribution it has and a choice with lower costs, such as the Pillar.
Now 32, Pillar is best known for his 2013-19 Toronto career, during which time he established himself as a world-class center-back. The Pylon spent most of 2019 as the Giants after purchasing it from the Blue Jays, splitting last season between the Red Sox and the Rockies.
Statistically, Pillar’s defense is not in the best shape (he combined minus-6 saved defensive runs and a 2.0 Ultimate Zone Rating from 2019-20), but he has experience in all three positions on the field.
The pillar has never been an offensive threat, but a team could certainly do worse than him as a backup option. He is a career fighter with .262 / .299 / .408, with 82 home and 88 bases stolen in 3,486 plate appearances.
Kevin Andrew Pillar (full name), 1.83 meters tall and 90 kilograms, had the personal best score of 106 wRC + last season, when he fell .288 / .336 / .462, hit six rounds home and stole five bases in 223 at -bats.