Mets sign OF Kevin Pillar to 1-year deal, cut Heredia

By: The Associated Press Posted: 8:59 PM CST Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021 Last Modified: 9:00 PM CST Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021

NEW YORK - Centre fielder Kevin Pillar and the Mets finalized a $5 million, one-year contract Sunday night that adds depth and balance to New York's outfield.

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NEW YORK - Centre fielder Kevin Pillar and the Mets finalized a $5 million, one-year contract Sunday night that adds depth and balance to New York's outfield.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/02/2021 (2051 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

NEW YORK – Centre fielder Kevin Pillar and the Mets finalized a $5 million, one-year contract Sunday night that adds depth and balance to New York’s outfield.

To make room on the Mets’ roster, outfielder Guillermo Heredia was designated for assignment.

The 32-year-old Pillar provides a proven centre fielder and experienced right-handed hitter to potentially platoon with Brandon Nimmo. All three of New York’s projected regulars in the outfield bat left-handed: Nimmo, right fielder Michael Conforto and left fielder Dominic Smith.

Colorado Rockies' Kevin Pillar watches his three-run double against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the second inning of the second game of a baseball doubleheader Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Pillar joins Albert Almora Jr. as right-handed-hitting options on the bench or in part-time roles.

Pillar split last season between Boston and Colorado, hitting a combined .288 with six home runs and 26 RBIs in 54 games. He batted .342 with a .969 OPS against left-handed pitching.

The durable Pillar spent six-plus years with Toronto and also has played for San Francisco during his eight-year career, batting .262 with 82 homers, 88 stolen bases and a .299 on-base percentage. He is a .286 career hitter with a .784 OPS against lefties and was a Gold Glove finalist each season from 2015-17.

Pillar and the Mets agreed to contract terms last week, subject to a successful physical. New York is set to begin full-squad workouts at spring training this week.

Heredia played for New York and Pittsburgh last season, hitting .212 with two homers and five RBIs in 15 games.