Blue Jays: Giants remain interested in Kevin Pillar

The San Francisco Giants have reportedly “looked into” acquiring Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar to solidify their outfield group ahead of the 2019 season.

In their search for a constant, dependable center fielder, the San Francisco Giants have “looked into Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar“, according to Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Schulman adds that, at this point, it is “unclear whether the Blue Jays would entertain a deal” for Pillar. The Giants were linked to Pillar in mid-December when they reportedly “discussed” the possibility of acquiring him to solve their outfield dilemma.

San Francisco thought they’d solved that issue when they signed veteran outfielder Cameron Maybin on February 21. Unfortunately for them, they had to release Maybin after he hit just .163 in 43 at-bats. Maybin was also arrested for driving under the influence on March 6.

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Maybin, who turns 32 on April 4, spent the 2018 season with Seattle and Miami, slashing .249/.326/.336 in 129 games, adding 14 doubles and 28 RBI in 342 at-bats.

Pillar, 30, has appeared in 16 games this spring, going 10-for-45 and adding three home runs, three walks and a double to go along with an OPS of .730.

Last season, he slashed .252/.282/.426 in 142 games.

While this report doesn’t exactly provide any earth-shattering news or insight, it does bring to mind the fact that Pillar, despite a disappointing 2018 season, still has at least some value on the trade market.

Though the Giants might be content running with their current crop of outfielders, they could still look to acquire Pillar, if the price is right. Of course, this is assuming that the Jays are even willing to deal him.

This certainly complicates things quite a bit for the Jays, as their outfielders appeared to be the one part of their roster that they had set ahead of Opening Day 2019. More to come.