Toronto Blue Jays: Kevin Pillar unlikely to be traded to Giants

Despite the San Francisco Giants’ reported interest in Kevin Pillar, the centre fielder will probably remain with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Troy Tulowitzki is gone. However, he probably won’t be the last to leave, as the Toronto Blue Jays continue to dismantle to heart of the team which went to the postseason in 2015 and 2016.

As the Blue Jays concentrate on rebuilding the roster at all levels, this is why there has been speculation recently about the future of the likes of Marcus Stroman, Aaron Sanchez and Justin Smoak in Southern Ontario.

Now, you can add Kevin Pillar to the list of potential trade candidates. As per Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports, the San Francisco Giants are reportedly interested in the centre fielder.

It’s at the early stages, with the Giants’ front office just having internal discussions so far. However, Pavlovic added that news of the interest in Pillar has come from multiple sources.

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Certainly, you can understand why the Giants would be intrigued by the Blue Jays’ outfielder. He is widely regarded as one of the top defensive centre fielders in the Majors.

In addition, Pillar  is under club control for another two years. He does not become an unrestricted free agent until 2021.

Understandably, critics may point towards the West Hills, California native’s offence, but he has made steady progress in this area during his Major League career. In fact, he is coming off arguably his best year at the plate yet, which included 15 home runs, as well as career-highs with 59 RBIs and a .426 slugging percentage.

Regardless, there is at least some question as to why the Giants would want to target the 29-year-old? More specifically, they already have a younger player at the centre field position, in Steven Duggar.

The 25-year-old has a bright future in the game and is projected as the opening day starter for 2019 in centre field. However, even factoring this in, the overriding belief is Pillar would provide valuable backup at the position and could conceivably be on the field at the same time as Duggar.

Of course, this leads us to whether or not the Blue Jays would entertain allowing Pillar to leave? He would theoretically be a reliable veteran presence on a younger team which will need guidance, as they go through their transitional period.

This is where it would be up to the Giants to make an offer worth considering. Knowing the Blue Jays are in rebuild mode, their best bet would be to offer enticing young prospects.

Overall, we predict that Pillar will not be going anywhere and will be in the lineup for the Blue Jays, come opening day next year. However, it will be interesting to see how this potential storyline plays out in the coming weeks, as we count down towards the start of spring training.

Where are you on Pillar? Do you think the Toronto Blue Jays will trade the centre fielder? Do you WANT them to move him? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.