Red Sox: Kevin Pillar reunion would solve outfield dilemmas

Bringing Kevin Pillar back would solve multiple Red Sox problems

The Boston Red Sox are starting to finally make some moves to get their offseason rolling. They signed their new Swiss army knife utility player in Kike Hernandez (2 years/$14 million) along with bolstering the rotation and bullpen with the signing of starting pitcher Garret Richards (1 year/$10 million) and trading with of all teams, the Yankees, for reliever Adam Ottavino ($9 million due in 2021).

While they did miss out on a reunion with Red Sox legend Jon Lester, there’s one familiar face who the team should consider bringing back. I’m talking about outfielder Kevin Pillar.

Pillar was one of the few bright spots in the lineup last year, prior to him being traded just before the deadline to Colorado. The Red Sox have a couple dilemma’s when it comes to their outfield right now. Pillar rejoining the team could solve one if not both. First, let’s look at what Pillar brings to the table.

Instead of starting with the stats at the plate, everyone should look at the outfielder’s defensive prowess. We all can appreciate a guy who gives it his all whenever the opportunity presents itself. Pillar is the epitome of that type of person. He is called “Superman” for a reason. He lays out for any ball that is even remotely within his range, climbs the wall without a second thought, to at least try to rob a homer.

His career fielding percentage of .990 is better than Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. Specifically in center field, which is where the Red Sox need someone, its just below that at .989 through 759 games at that position. That is equal to a little over four seasons total.

Although the outfielder’s defensive ability might outweigh what he does at the plate, he is still a very solid hitter. Pillar’s career slash line doesn’t jump off the page at .262/.299/.408, but neither does recent signee Kike Hernandez. Since Pillar was already a part of the team, we know slash lines aren’t the only thing the organization looks at.

Last year between Boston and Colorado, he had a career year at the plate. Some skeptics may argue that it was a shortened season, and that it shouldn’t be observed in the same way for as a whole season. Yet, Trevor Bauer had an incredible Cy Young-winning career-best  year, and now he is probably going to be the highest paid free-agent this offseason. I’m not saying that Pillar should get millions more than the he was getting. But he went from a .259/.287/.432 in ’19 to a .288/.336/.462 in ’20. A major improvement in all areas.

Solving the Red Sox outfield dilemmas

As mentioned before, the Red Sox have a couple dilemmas pertaining to their outfield that signing Pillar could help solve. We have all heard about the Andrew Benintendi trade rumors swirling over the past couple weeks. While the return on a trade for the 26-year-old outfielder might not be much after his below average performance last season, having Pillar on the team would make it easier for them to ship off the former first-round pick.

The second dilemma, even if they happen to keep Benintendi, is who will play center field. Jackie Bradley Jr. might not be coming back, and Alex Verdugo seems very comfortable in right. Along with the fact that J.D, Martinez is best suited for left field, they need a guy with good range and an arm to go with it to roam center field. Pillar is that guy. Within his first couple games, he made a highlight reel type catch.

Not to mention, he seemed very excited to have joined the team last spring. Pillar said, in a video from the “Sox Shorts” series on MLB.com, that it was an “amazing opportunity” to be a part of the Red Sox. Last but not least, he played in Toronto with the Blue Jays for the majority of his career, so he knows this division and what it takes to win in it.

It would be a great reunion, and while there is no rumors that it is a possible reunion, it would benefit both sides (Pillar and the Red Sox) in more ways than one.