Kevin Pillar DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Texas Rangers outfielder Kevin Pillar will make the Opening Day roster. Shawn McFarland of the Dallas News reported that Pillar will likely be deployed as the designated hitter or in center field against left-handed pitching. Pillar inked a minor-league deal with the Rangers during the offseason. Last season, the 36-year-old spent time in the majors (100 games) split between the White Sox and Angels. Across this stint, he posted a .229/.291/.377 slash line with 16 doubles and eight long balls. While he posted a modest .173/.250/.292 line against right-handed pitching, Pillar performed quite well against southpaws, posting a strong .310/.352/.500 slash line. Fantasy managers in deeper AL-only formats should consider targeting Pillar when he faces southpaws, as he could carry value as a streaming option.

The Texas Rangers have signed outfielder Kevin Pillar to a minor-league contract on Sunday. The veteran outfielder will receive a minor-league contract with an invite to Major League camp. The 36-year-old will look to catch on as depth heading into the regular season. His offensive stats have taken a hit over the last few seasons, but Pillar could still be a useful bench option. He slashed .229/.291/.377 with eight home runs and 45 RBI across 100 games with the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Angels. His days of being a fantasy contributor are likely over.

Veteran free-agent outfielder Kevin Pillar (thumb) has changed his mind and is now keeping the door open to playing in 2025. "I've just had some time to reflect...I still enjoy doing it. I'm pretty sure I still want to play," Pillar said. He will be at the upcoming winter meetings in Dallas to look for a new team. The 35-year-old said back in the summer that he was pretty certain that the 2024 campaign would be his last in the big leagues, but he's had a change of heart since the season ended and he's had time to reflect on his career. If Pillar does play next season, he'll likely have to settle for a minor-league deal somewhere as he tries to make the Opening Day roster out of spring training as outfield depth. Having surgery on his left thumb early in the offseason won't help his cause. Pillar hit only .229 with eight homers, 45 RBI and 12 steals for the White Sox and Angels in 2024, but he excelled against left-handed pitching.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Kevin Pillar (thumb) was removed for a pinch-hitter late in the team's loss to the division-rival Texas Rangers on Sept. 6 and was placed on the 10-day injured list the next day with a left-thumb sprain. The Angels are holding out hope that Pillar can return before the end of the regular season, though, according to manager Ron Washington. However, Pillar still hadn't progressed to baseball activities as of Monday. The 35-year-old veteran is going to need to start improving soon if he wants to play again in 2024, but the out-of-contention Halos don't have any incentive to rush him back at this point. Pillar was brought in for outfield depth this year, mainly because of Mike Trout's (knee) injury, and he has provided a mediocre .251/.299/.396 slash line with a below-average .695 OPS, six home runs, 40 RBI and eight steals in his 76 games.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Kevin Pillar is generating plenty of interest on the trade market. Pillar is 35 and has said he plans to retire after the season ends, so this would give him a chance to finish his career on a contender. He's had a really nice season for the Angels, slashing .287/.343/.481 with seven homers and nine steals in 181 at-bats. He likely would be a fourth outfielder on a contender, but he's a great piece to have as a late-inning defensive sub or pinch runner who can also hit a bit if needed. He likely doesn't need to be rostered in most fantasy leagues though, regardless of who he ends up going to.