Kevin Pillar Signs Minor League Deal with Texas Rangers

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The Texas Rangers have signed veteran outfielder Kevin Pillar to a minor league contract with an invitation to big league camp in spring training. Pillar, 36, has played for nine teams over his 12-year major league career, including his first six-plus seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays. He has ample experience at all three outfield positions, playing 873 career games in center, 218 in left field, and 117 in right field. The deal includes an invitation to spring training, where Pillar will compete for a spot on the Rangers' MLB roster.

Pillar underwent offseason thumb surgery and initially considered retirement, but after his recovery, he felt he could continue playing. He spent the 2024 season with the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Angels, batting .229 with eight home runs and 45 RBIs in 100 games. Pillar's career statistics include a .255 average with 114 home runs and 468 RBIs in 1,214 games. He has also collected 1,044 career hits, showcasing his consistency as a hitter in the major leagues. The Rangers' manager, Bruce Bochy, praised Pillar as a "really, really talented player" who is a "good right-handed bat" and plays all three outfield positions.

In other news, the Rangers' prospect Alejandro Rosario, a right-hander, is likely to miss the 2025 season due to an elbow injury. Rosario, 23, was selected by the Rangers in the fifth round of the 2023 MLB Draft and has one year of experience in the minors, going 4-5 with a 2.24 ERA in 18 games. The injury is expected to require Tommy John surgery, which would keep him out for an extended period. The Rangers' general manager, Kevin Young, gave an ominous prognosis, stating that it's "likely UCL" and will probably require surgery. This is a significant setback for Rosario, who was considered one of the team's top prospects.

The Rangers' spring training is expected to be competitive, with Pillar and other players vying for spots on the MLB roster. The team's schedule includes a series of exhibition games, which will give players like Pillar an opportunity to showcase their skills. Some of the key games include:

• March 1: Rangers vs. Kansas City Royals
• March 5: Rangers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
• March 10: Rangers vs. Chicago Cubs

These games will be crucial in determining the final roster for the Rangers, and Pillar will need to perform well to secure a spot. With his experience and skills, he has a good chance of making the team, but it will depend on his performance during spring training.

The Texas Rangers are looking to improve their outfield depth with the addition of Pillar, who brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the team. As the season approaches, the Rangers will be looking to make a push for the playoffs, and Pillar's contributions could be significant. With a strong spring training performance, Pillar could find himself playing a key role for the Rangers in the upcoming season. The team's fans will be watching closely as the season unfolds, hoping that Pillar can help lead the team to success.

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