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38. Kevin Pillar

38. Kevin Pillar
  1. General
  2. Awards
  3. Career Stats
  • Born: January 4, 1989 in West Hills, CA USA
  • Weight: 200 lbs.
  • Height: 6'0"
  • Bats: R
  • Throws: R
  • Debut: August 14, 2013
  • Final Game: October 02, 2021
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Kevin Pillar set a historic 54-game hitting streak at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Despite this achievement, his Division II background caused him to be drafted only in the 32nd round of the 2011 draft, 979th overall. However, Pillar defied expectations by leveraging a relentless work ethic, quickly progressing through the minor leagues and reaching the major leagues within two years.

By the 2015 season, Pillar had solidified his position as the everyday center fielder at Rogers Centre, becoming known for his spectacular plays. He played aggressively, often risking his safety by leaping into the grass and crashing into the padded walls to make catches. His remarkable defensive skills earned him the nickname "Superman" and were officially honored when he received the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award along with a Platinum Glove for being the best overall defender in the American League.

Pillar’s elite defense was a vital cornerstone during the franchise's thrilling return to prominence. He posted a.278 batting average with 163 hits in 2015, providing a critical late-innings spark and high-leverage defensive stability that helped push Toronto into the ALCS. He backed that up with another 144-hit campaign in 2016, helping carry the Blue Jays directly back to a second consecutive ALCS appearance.

Although his aggressive, relentless approach at the plate kept his walk rates low and his on-base percentage below the league average, his durability and contact skills ensured he remained highly effective. He posted two more solid seasons with double-digit home runs in 2017 and 2018, frequently pitching extensive innings.

With the organization pivoting toward a complete youth movement and rebuilding phase, the front office traded the veteran outfielder to the San Francisco Giants just five games into the 2019 schedule. With the Jays, Pillar had 641 hits, 150 doubles, 55 home runs, 231 RBIs, and 69 stolen bases. While his .260/.297/.396 slash line reflected his free-swinging tendencies, his spectacular technical range in center field generated an outstanding 8.7 defensive bWAR.

The Bullet Points

  • Position: Outfield
  • Acquired: Selected in the 32nd Round in the Amateur Draft 6/8/11.
  • Departed:

    Traded to the San Francisco Giants for Juan De Paula, Alen Janson, and Derek Law 4/2/19.

  • Games Played: 695
  • Notable Statistics:

    303 Runs Scored
    641 Hits
    156 Doubles
    7 Triples
    55 Home Runs
    221 Runs Batted In
    69 Stolen Bases
    .260/.297/.396 Slash Line
    14.3 bWAR

    20 Playoff Games
    7 Runs Scored
    15 Hits
    6 Doubles
    0 Triples
    2 Home Runs
    8 Runs Batted In
    0 Stolen Bases
    .203/.250/.364 Slash Line

  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    Wilson Defensive Player (2015)
    Most Putouts by an Outfielder (2015)
    Highest Fielding Percentage by a Centerfielder (2017)

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