“Kevin Pillar Eyes 2025 Comeback After Surgery, Ready to Play for the Love of the Game”

Outfielder Kevin Pillar, who previously stated he was “98% sure” he would retire after the 2024 season, now seems open to playing another year. In an appearance on MLB Network’s Hot Stove, he shared his intention to give it one more shot in 2025. Pillar also revealed that he had thumb surgery after the 2024 season ended.

Pillar, who will turn 36 in January, started the 2024 season with the Chicago White Sox, but struggled, posting a .160/.290/.360 line in 17 games. He was back on the market by the end of April and later joined the Los Angeles Angels. It was with the Angels that he first suggested retirement might be near, but his time with the team led to a change in mindset. In 282 plate appearances for the Angels, he hit .236/.291/.378 with 7 home runs. More importantly, Pillar felt a renewed sense of joy in playing, stating, “For the first time in probably forever, I was just playing for the love of the game, the joy of the game.”

After reflecting on the season, Pillar now believes he still has the desire to play. While unsure if any team will offer him a contract, he plans to stay in shape and is ready to answer the call if a team reaches out. He also noted that he spent two weeks on the injured list in September due to a thumb sprain but underwent surgery after the season, without indicating it would impact his offseason preparations.

At his peak, Pillar was a reliable everyday player, known for his strong defense and baserunning despite mediocre offense. Between 2015 and 2021, he appeared in 940 games, hitting .261/.298/.412 and accumulating 10 wins above replacement. He also stole 91 bases and was regarded as an above-average center fielder.

In the past three years, Pillar has become more of a role player, hitting .225/.271/.387 in 185 games with a 79 wRC+. He still shows strong numbers against left-handed pitchers, posting a 139 wRC+ against them in 2024, but only a 54 wRC+ against righties. For teams seeking a veteran right-handed bench outfielder who offers solid defense and base-running, Pillar could be a low-cost option, likely at a price far below the $3 million he earned from the White Sox in 2024.