In a heartfelt appearance on Foul Territory, Kevin Pillar revealed his decision to leave professional baseball, making the Kevin Pillar retirement announcement official. Pillar, known to fans as “Superman” for his incredible defensive plays, was most recently with the Texas Rangers before being released approximately a month ago.
From Long Shot Draft Pick to Major League Mainstay
Pillar, now 36, began his career in unlikely fashion, having been selected in the 32nd round of the 2011 MLB draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. Despite such modest expectations, he defied the odds and eventually secured a place in the major leagues, building a reputation that would see him last over a decade at the top level.
Pillar’s defense stood out as his calling card. His ability to make spectacular, even acrobatic, catches quickly earned him recognition and his famous Superman moniker. After getting brief major league experience in 2013 and 2014, he established himself as a regular for the Blue Jays in 2015.
Breakout Years and Blue Jays Postseason Memories
In 2015, Pillar participated in 159 games, posting a .278 batting average, a .314 on-base percentage, and a .399 slugging percentage. Although his 94 wRC+ metric suggested he was slightly below average at the plate, Kevin Pillar made up for it with outstanding speed and defense, stealing 25 bases and earning strong marks for his fielding. According to FanGraphs, his achievements that season were worth 3.7 wins above replacement, a contribution that helped the Blue Jays reach the postseason for the first time since 1993. During that playoff run, fans were treated to memorable moments like José Bautista’s iconic bat flip game, even though the team ultimately lost to the Royals in the ALCS.
Sustained Value Through Defense and Hustle
That remarkable 2015 campaign would stand as the pinnacle of Pillar’s offensive output; he would not exceed 15 stolen bases or a 90 wRC+ in a full season again. Nevertheless, he remained a valuable player for Toronto from 2016 to 2018, appearing in 442 games, maintaining a batting line of .258/.296/.401 with an 86 wRC+, and accruing 4.5 fWAR, thanks largely to his speed and glove work.
A Journeyman’s Path Across Major League Baseball
As the Blue Jays began rebuilding in 2019, Pillar, then age 30, was traded to the San Francisco Giants, marking the start of his journeyman phase. Over the subsequent seasons, he played for a series of teams including the Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, and Texas Rangers. Even as he entered his 30s and his trademark defense started to wane slightly, Pillar continued to provide consistent, if unspectacular, production—appearing in 544 games from 2019 to 2025 with a .246 batting average, .284 on-base, .415 slugging percentage, an 85 wRC+, and 2.4 fWAR.
His most recent stint with Texas proved challenging, as he managed only a .209 batting average over 20 games before being designated for assignment and ultimately released. Although he had considered stepping away from the sport before, Pillar has now decided that the time has come to officially transition away from playing.
A Rare Achievement for a Late-Round Pick
Few 32nd-round draft picks ever reach the major leagues, and with the MLB draft now shortened to just 20 rounds, Pillar’s path is even more remarkable. His career included 1,234 games over 13 seasons, amassing 1,053 hits and 114 home runs. According to FanGraphs, he compiled 10.8 career wins above replacement, while Baseball Reference credits him with 16.1 WAR. Over his years in the big leagues, Pillar earned around $25 million in salary.
Legacy of a Defensive Standout and What Lies Ahead
Kevin Pillar’s journey from underdog draft pick to a player celebrated for his defense and perseverance stands as a testament to determination and resilience. His legacy includes not just the spectacular catches and highlight-reel moments, but also the impact he made as a teammate and competitor. While his playing chapter has closed, Pillar’s story may inspire future generations of players, especially those taken in later rounds, to chase their dreams with equal resolve.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Kevin Pillar wear a mask?
A. Pillar explained that he would use a protective mask while playing and running bases for a few weeks after coming back. At first, he wore a clear mask but later changed to a black one made with face-scanning technology, which helped him see better.
Q. How did the Angels get Kevin Pillar?
A. After Mike Trout got injured, the Los Angeles Angels signed Pillar to a major league contract on April 30, 2024.
Q. How did the angels acquire Kevin Pillar?
A. Last week, the White Sox removed Pillar from their roster when they promoted outfielder Tommy Pham before playing the Rays. Pillar chose to become a free agent after that move. He then signed with the Angels because All-Star outfielder Mike Trout needed knee surgery for a torn meniscus.