The Los Angeles Dodgers already made their free agent splash of the offseason, by bringing in first baseman Freddie Freeman on a lucrative six-year deal.
For them, and for most of the other 29 teams in MLB, it’s now time to focus on cheap options to fill out the roster and the the upper-minors depth.
Yes, Michael Conforto is still on the market, but most of the stars are gone, and everybody is focusing on the second, third, and even the fourth-tier of free agent talent.
The Dodgers secured a savvy depth signing that could prove useful.
According to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, they are bringing in a seasoned veteran capable of playing center field.
“Dodgers say they’ve signed Kevin Pillar to a minor league deal with a big league invite,” Ardaya tweeted.
Dodgers say they’ve signed Kevin Pillar to a minor league deal with a big league invite.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 22, 2022
A Serviceable Center Fielder For The Bench
Pillar, known for highlight-reel catches in center field throughout his MLB career, last played for the New York Mets in 2021.
He was actually quite productive in the power department, but getting on base was a weakness.
He slashed .231/.277/.415 in Queens last year, with 15 home runs, 40 runs, 47 RBI, and four stolen bases in 124 games and 347 plate appearances.
He played quite a bit last year because the Mets had to endure one of the worst injury situations in recent memory, and was slightly below-average offensively and average defensively in a tough position.
In other words, Pillar can still contribute to an MLB team.
He will have a hard time making the Dodgers’ roster, though, but he is capable of securing a place if he can hit decently, because he can play center field.
He is already 33, so he is not as athletic as he used to be, but he can still play.
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