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.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Kevin Pillar went 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base in Saturday's 9-3 win over the Royals. It was the 35-year-old's second three-hit game in his last four, so perhaps things are looking up for the veteran in what has been an otherwise forgetful beginning to the season. Through May 5, Pillar was batting .161 but this four-game stretch has raised his season average to .261 as he's logged just 12 starts in 2024 and has come in as a pinch-hitter, pinch-runner, or defensive replacement 12 times. The recent outburst is nice to see for Pillar, but you're still staying away for fantasy unless he can get more regular at-bats.

The Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a one-year contract with outfielder Kevin Pillar. With Mike Trout (knee) headed for surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, the Halos make a move to supply their outfield with some depth and a veteran presence. Pillar appeared in 17 games for the Chicago White Sox in the 2024 regular season before getting designated for assignment, slashing just .160/.290/.360 with one home run, four RBI, and two stolen bases across 32 plate appearances. The lefty-hitting Mickey Moniak is primed for a near-everyday role in center field on the strong side of a platoon with Trout sidelined, leaving Pillar to battle with fellow veteran Aaron Hicks for at-bats in Anaheim's outfield. The 35-year-old former Toronto Blue Jay isn't likely to make a big impact from a fantasy perspective, however, so Pillar can be left on waiver wires for now.

The Chicago White Sox released infielder Mike Moustakas and outfielder Kevin Pillar on Friday. Moustakas was released after slashing a weak .195/.283/.317 with a home run and two RBI in 41 Cactus League at-bats for Chicago after signing a minor-league deal with the team on Feb. 14. The 35-year-old left-handed-hitting veteran is nearing the end of his career. The three-time All-Star hit .247/.293/.392 with 12 home runs and 48 RBI in 112 games with the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels in his 13th big-league campaign. Pillar, who is also 35, went 11-for-44 in the Cactus League with five RBI. He hit .228/.248/.416 with nine home runs, 32 RBI and four steals in 81 games with the Atlanta Braves in 2023. Moustakas and Pillar will be looking to latch on with another team in reserve roles with the season starting next week.

The Chicago White Sox signed free-agent outfielder Kevin Pillar to a minor-league deal on Friday, according to a source. Pillar will make $3 million if he's on the major-league roster. The 35-year-old veteran hit .228/.248/.416 with nine home runs in 208 plate appearances for the Atlanta Braves in 2023. He's no longer the plus-plus defensive center fielder he once was, but he still rated well defensive in the corner outfield spots last year. The rebuilding White Sox may offer more playing time for Pillar, but at best, he'll likely be in some sort of platoon in right field with Oscar Colas. Pillar can be ignored in mixed fantasy leagues in 2024. He has only reached the 20-steal and 20-homer marks once in his 11-year big-league career.

Atlanta Braves outfielder Kevin Pillar is in the starting lineup Monday versus the Colorado Rockies and left-hander Austin Gomber. Starts have been few and far between for the veteran as part of a loaded Braves offense while he has largely struggled against left-handed pitching this season. He's provided power against lefties with four homers, five doubles, and a .205 isolated power across 86 plate appearances versus southpaws this season but his .702 OPS, 2.3% BB%, and 81 wRC+ off lefties all leave plenty to be desired. Nonetheless, he will get the start in left field and hit eighth versus Gomber in the hitter-friendly Coors Field Monday in Colorado.

Atlanta Braves outfielder Kevin Pillar stole his first base of the season in Thursday's 5-4 loss to the visiting Miami Marlins. Pillar finished the day 1-for-2 with an RBI, a run scored and a walk as well. The 34-year-old's work on the defense should continue to earn him playing time in Atlanta, but it will be harder to come by now that Michael Harris II (back) has returned from the injured list. When Pillar does play, he'll likely remain near the bottom of the team's lineup, limiting his fantasy upside in DFS. Over his first 14 games and 47 plate appearances this season, Pillar is hitting .227 (10-for-44) with two doubles, a homer, five RBI, one stolen base and just four runs scored.

Atlanta Braves outfielder Kevin Pillar is not in the starting lineup for the first game of a series against the Miami Marlins on Monday. Pillar has seen everyday playing time in the last week, even against right-handed pitching, but he'll take a seat in this one. Eddie Rosario will get the start in left field and will hit fifth, while Marcell Ozuna is serving as the designated hitter and is batting seventh against Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera. Pillar has seen more playing time for the Braves due to Ozuna's struggles at the plate, but the 34-year-old veteran outfielder hasn't done much better himself, hitting .211 (8-for-38) with a double, home run, three RBI and three runs scored over 40 plate appearances in 12 games.

The Atlanta Braves agreed to a minor-league deal with veteran outfielder Kevin Pillar on Wednesday, according to a source. Pillar will earn $3 million if he makes the big-league roster. The deal includes an invitation to major-league spring training. Pillar only played four games for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season and eventually had left shoulder surgery in June. In his last full season with the New York Mets in 2021, he slashed .231/.277/.415 with a .692 OPS, 15 home runs, 47 RBI, 40 runs scored and four stolen bases in 347 plate appearances and 124 games. The 34-year-old defensive stalwart is nearing the end of his career and is unlikely to have much fantasy value at all if he's in the big leagues in 2023 with Atlanta.

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kevin Pillar (shoulder) was expected to miss the rest of the season. However, the veteran outfielder will begin hitting progression in the next few days. Pillar has been sidelined since early June due to a fractured left shoulder. The hope is that Pillar can begin playing in minor league games within the next three or four weeks. There seems to be a chance of Pillar returning to the Dodgers lineup before the end of the regular season. Despite that, it's unlikely that Pillar offers much upside in terms of fantasy baseball. He'll be a nice addition as depth for the Dodgers playoff run, but fantasy managers can ignore him until further notice.

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed outfielder Kevin Pillar (shoulder) on the injured list on Thursday with a left shoulder fracture and recalled infielder/outfielder Zach McKinstry from the minors in a corresponding move. Pillar left the game early on Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Manager Dave Roberts said that surgery is a possibility for the 33-year-old veteran, so he should miss extended time. Pillar has only a double in 12 at-bats at the major league level for the Dodgers this year. McKinstry might be worth a pickup in NL-only leagues for depth purposes. The 27-year-old was hitting an excellent .338/.424/.464 with an .887 OPS, two home runs and 19 RBI in 38 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City before his call-up.

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kevin Pillar is unlikely to make the Opening Day roster. Manager Dave Roberts mentioned that he plans to carry 16 pitchers going into the season. That means, the Dodgers will only have 12 position players on their roster. The last roster spot is expected to go to Edwin Rios. That being said, Pillar and Jake Lamb are likely to head to Triple-A to begin the year. Pillar has struggled during his time in spring training, but should see time in Los Angeles at some point this season.

Free-agent outfielder Kevin Pillar signed a minor league deal with a base salary of $2.5 million in the majors with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday. The 33-year-old veteran will provide outfield depth for a stacked Dodgers roster. Pillar spent the 2021 season with the New York Mets and hit .231/.277/.415 with 15 home runs, 47 RBI and 40 runs scored in 347 plate appearances over 124 games played. He missed time last season after being drilled with a pitch in the face. Even if Pillar makes the Dodgers big-league club, he's highly unlikely to see much playing time behind the likes of Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger and AJ Pollock. LA also has Matt Beaty, Zach McKinstry and Chris Taylor who can play the outfield.

New York Mets outfielder Kevin Pillar will not return to the team as both he and the club declined their sides of his mutual option Thursday. Pillar, who produced a .692 OPS with 15 homers, four steals, 40 runs, and 47 RBI in 325 at-bats this season, was perhaps most notable for being hit in the face by a Jacob Webb fastball on May 18. At this point in his career, Pillar is likely set for a part-time role as a right-handed bench bat and defensive replacement, leaving him off the fantasy radar wherever he ends up in 2022.

New York Mets outfielder Kevin Pillar went 2-for-3 with a walk in the Mets 4-3 loss to the Nationals on Monday. Pillar, who has been starting in centerfield for Brandon Nimmo (hamstring) who is currently on the 10-day injured list, has been red hot at the plate. Over his past eight games, Pillar is a blistering 11-for-23 (.478) with four home runs, 10 RBI, and seven runs scored. While he remains hot at the plate, Pillar should continue to see regular playing time over the duration of Nimmo's stint on the IL. Managers in need of some offensive boost over the next week should target Pillar in deeper formats. Pillar is also a solid play in DFS formats hitting in a Mets lineup that has finally found its way out of an August offensive slump.

New York Mets outfielder Kevin Pillar went 2-for-3 with two solo home runs, three runs scored, and was hit by a pitch in the Mets 5-3 win over the Nationals on Saturday. Pillar's two home runs were his second and third over his last five games played. Pillar has been a nice surprise for the Mets in 2021, serving as a utility bench player for the team. His 12 home runs are the third-most on the team, a statistic that not only shows the importance that Pillar has had to the team, but also the state of the Mets anemic offense in 2021. Overall, Pillar has hit .211/.253/.390 with 12 HR, 32 RBI, and 31 runs scored in 251 at-bats in 2021. Pillar can be ignored in most fantasy formats given his lack of consistent playing time and poor ratios. That said, he could be a sneaky DFS play on Sunday while he is swinging a hot bat and playing left field and batting seventh against the Nationals and right-hander Erick Fedde.