The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Kevin Pillar to a Minor League contract with an invitation to big league camp. The move gives the Dodgers a total of 27 non-roster invitees to 2022 Spring Training at present time.
Pillar became a free agent after the 2021 season when he declined a $2.9 million mutual option and the team declined their $6.4 million option. Pillar received a $1.4 million buyout as a result of the Mets not keeping him under contract for 2022.
Pillar batted .231/.277/.415 with 11 doubles, 15 home runs and 47 RBI over 124 games for the Mets last season. He missed two weeks after being hit in the face by an errant fastball from Jacob Webb.
The veteran outfielder sustained multiple fractures and required surgery to repair a broken nose. The 2021 season was Pillar’s only year with the Mets.
He broke into the Majors with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2013 and remained with the team until being traded to the San Francisco Giants in 2019. Pillar became a free agent that offseason and went on to sign with the Boston Red Sox in February 2020, only to be traded to the Colorado Rockies that August.
What Pillar brings to Dodgers
Although Pillar is no longer the defensive standout he once was, the 33-year-old still has a steady glove in the outfield. Furthermore, the West Hills, California native has hit a career .280/.312/.459 hitter with a 104 wRC+ against left-handed pitching.
Pillar could end up filling a role similar to what Steven Souza Jr. held last season — spending time with Triple-A Oklahoma City but also being among the several players the Dodgers called up at various points for bench depth.
A 40-man roster move would be required whenever the Dodgers looked to bring Pillar up.
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