Kevin Pillar

Kevin Pillar went 2-for-2 with a double, a walk and two runs scored as the Red Sox edged the Cardinals on Tuesday in Grapefruit League action.

Fantasy Impact

Pillar looks like he will get a starting role in the outfield to begin the season with Alex Verdugo on the injured list. The long term plan is to have the veteran outfielder platoon with Verdugo which will limit his fantasy value.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports the Red Sox have come to terms with Kevin Pillar on a one-year contract.

Fantasy Impact

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported yesterday that the two sides were close. Pillar will help replace Mookie Betts in the Boston outfield, particularly defensively. However, he also has some value with his bat as well. In 2019 Pillar hit 21 homers and stole 14 bases. He'll likely be a useful part-time player with the Red Sox.

Outfielder Kevin Pillar is surprisingly being non-tendered by the Giants, meaning he will be a free agent.

Fantasy Impact

Pillar had a solid 2019 for a Giants team that lost 85 games, so he is a surprise non-tender. With a number of teams looking for center fielders this offseason, Pillar should have a number of suitors after a season that saw him hit .259 with 83 runs scored, 21 home runs, 88 RBI, and 14 stolen bases over 161 games.

Per Henry Schulman, there are currently "no active negotiations on a contract with" Kevin Pillar. This does not mean the Giants and Pillar cannot come to an agreement before today's 5 pm arbitration deadline.

Fantasy Impact

Pillar was one of the few bright spots for the Giants in an otherwise lackluster 2019. Pillar hit .272 with nine home runs in the second half while still showing off what he can do with the glove in center. With that said, signing another contract with San Fransisco doesn't bode well for his fantasy value given the ballpark and the talent currently in that lineup. If he signs with the Giants, most of Pillar's value will come from his high volume role. There is some potential for a small bump in value if Pillar ends up in a more favorable situation, but he continues to be a late-round option in deeper leagues.

Kevin Pillar went 0-for-7 as the Giants fell to the Rockies in 16 innings on Tuesday night.

Fantasy Impact

Pillar is now just 3-for-22 over his last five games. He does have 21 homers and 13 steals this season, which makes him relevant in deeper category leagues, but he ultimately isn't a fantasy difference-maker.