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Toronto Blue Jays 2019 season preview: Outfield provides intrigue

By David Morassutti

A general view of the Rogers Centre during the Toronto Blue Jays MLB game against the New York Yankees on Opening Day. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
A general view of the Rogers Centre during the Toronto Blue Jays MLB game against the New York Yankees on Opening Day. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Blue Jays
Kevin Pillar makes a leaping catch as he slams into the wall in the fifth inning during MLB game action against the Detroit Tigers at Rogers Centre. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Kevin Pillar

With two years left before he becomes a free agent, Toronto will have to decide what the future holds for Kevin Pillar.

Right now, the 30-year-old is pencilled in as the opening day centre fielder but recent rumours around interest from the teams could force the Blue Jays hand if the offer is too good to pass up.

At the same time, Pillar brings a strong veteran presence and is a dependable defender but his struggles to get on-base consistently limits his value. His .282 OBP last season was only ahead of Devon Tavis (who played in only 103 games) and Yangervis Solarte.

According to FanGraphs, Pillar has a 37.1 defensive runs above average which measures his defensive value relative to the league average. Only Russell Martin has had a better rating on the team in that time at 53.9.

“Superman” will be a player to watch ahead of the trade deadline as he could be moved depending on how the younger players like Anthony Alford develop. For now, fans can expect to see some highlight reel plays and hopefully fewer swings and misses this season.

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