With less than an hour before the trade deadline, the Rockies have made another trade. The Rockies will acquire OF Kevin Pillar from the Red Sox in exchange for a player to be named later and international slot money.
The Rockies are acquiring Kevin Pillar and cash from the Red Sox in exchange for a PTBNL and 2019-20 international slot money, per source.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) August 31, 2020
Pillar, 31, was originally drafted in the 32nd round of the amateur draft in 2011 by the Toronto Blue Jays. After a short stint with the San Francisco Giants in 2019, Pillar became a free agent this past offseason and signed with the Boston Red Sox.
Pillar is currently slashing .275/.325/.470 with seven doubles, two triples, four home runs, and 13 RBI in 126 plate appearances. His career slash is .261/.297/.407 with 200 doubles and 80 home runs over eight seasons.
Defensively, he brings a lot to the table. He currently has 2 Defensive Runs Saved, a UZR/150 of 14.1 and no errors in 2020. However, in recent years, his defense has been on a downward trajectory compared to his elite play from 2015-17.
It is unclear what Pillar’s role will be, but he is able to play all three outfield spots. His main position has been center field, so it has been suggested that he might platoon with Sam Hilliard until David Dahl returns from the Injured List.
Purple Row will continue to monitor and provide updates on any Rockies moves as more information becomes available.