Ex-Toronto Blue Jays fan fave reverses retirement decision and will play in MLB this year
Longtime Toronto Blue Jays centre fielder Kevin Pillar isn’t ready to call it a career just yet.
The 36-year-old initially revealed his plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2024 season, but changed his decision roughly three months ago. Citing he felt he still had more to give, he was able to ink a minor-league deal with the Texas Rangers that included an invitation to spring training.
The man dubbed “Superman” during his time with the Blue Jays appears to be right in his belief that he had more to give, as it was announced today that he has cracked the Rangers’ Opening Day lineup.
Kevin Pillar has made the Rangers
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) March 25, 2025
Pillar spent parts of seven seasons with the Blue Jays, during which time he hit .260 with 55 home runs and 231 RBIs. His best asset was his defence, however, as he became well-known for putting his body on the line to make some ridiculous catches over those seven years.
The Blue Jays traded Pillar to the San Fransico Giants early in the 2019 season. He’s since spent time with the Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, LA Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, and LA Angels.
Pillar’s career appeared to be in major jeopardy partway through the 2024 season after he was designated for assignment by the White Sox. He struggled immensely with them through 17 games, hitting just .160 in 32 plate appearances.
The Angels chose to give him another shot, however, and he made the most of it, hitting a respectable .236 with seven home runs and 41 RBIs in 83 games.
Though Pillar figures to be more of a bench piece for the Rangers, the fact that he chose to hold off on his retirement and capitalize on his latest opportunity is a great story for the former Blue Jays fan favourite.
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