Toronto Blue Jays Season Preview: Outfield with strong potential

Kevin Pillar

There should be a lot of pressure on Pillar to perform this season given the team’s depth in the minors knocking on the door. There is no denying his competitiveness in his game, but the 29-year-old’s plate discipline continues to hold him back.

Last season was the worst one for Pillar in the past three seasons despite a career-high .404 slugging percentage. He put a 1.9 WAR rating last season at the plate, which was his worst in three years.

During spring training, the West Hills native had a strong performance at the plate with a .438/.460/.667 slash line. Whether he can keep it up over the course of the season will be another thing.

One important note from camp was how PIllar took the time to learn from teammate Justin Smoak on turning things around offensively. It was not long ago that fans dreaded seeing the 1B/DH perform at the plate.

Now he is somebody who teammates go to in order to turn things around for them, according to Pillar.

"“I learned firsthand watching the way Smoakey went about his work last year, watching him hit BP every day, and seeing how it translated into the season,” Pillar told Sportsnet‘s Arden Zwelling. “He was really working on his craft as a hitter, and just trying to be relaxed and smooth in BP. I’m really trying to understand that.”"

It should be assuring that Pillar wants to put attention towards his batting ability, considering his reputation in the outfield. If he can take his competitive approach on defence to the batter’s box, then it could go a long way to improving the team’s offensive struggles.

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/28/2018.