The Chicago White Sox have reportedly signed outfielder Kevin Pillar to a minor-league deal. According to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, Pillar will earn a $3 million contract should he make the Major League roster.
The 11-year MLB veteran spent the 2023 season with the Atlanta Braves. He played in 81 games and slashed a respectable .228/.248/.416 with nine home runs and 32 RBIs across 206 plate appearances. Despite a limited role, Pillar showcased his capability to keep playing the game at the MLB level despite his age.
Known early in his career for his defensive abilities in center field, the 35-year-old has been relegated to the corner outfield in recent years. Given Pillar’s experience and the ability he’s shown throughout his career against left-handed pitching, he could be a useful asset for the White Sox in a piece-it-together season.
With Luis Robert Jr. cemented in center field and Andrew Benintendi in left, the White Sox once again have a noticeable need in right field. Despite what some may say, Gavin Sheets is not an everyday right field option and Oscar Colas ended his rookie season with more question marks than answers at the position. In turn, Pillar is set to compete for a spot to break camp with the big-league club and potentially fill a short-side platoon role in right field.
The deal can be categorized as a low-risk high-reward flier for general manager Chris Getz and the White Sox. If Pillar can re-establish himself and fill the gap in right field, he stands to benefit from the aforementioned big-league contract.
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