Kevin Pillar’s Career at a Crossroads: Retirement Still on Hold
Veteran outfielder Kevin Pillar has kept baseball fans guessing over the past year regarding his future in Major League Baseball. After expressing serious intentions to retire following the 2024 season, the longtime MLB contributor stunned many by postponing those plans and attempting one more run in 2025. Now, just past the halfway mark of the season, Pillar’s career stands at another uncertain juncture, with no official retirement announcement—but no team either.
Pillar, 36, had said in late 2024 that he was “98 percent sure” he was ready to hang up his cleats after wrapping up the season with the Atlanta Braves. That would have capped an 11-year MLB career defined by his highlight-reel defense in center field, gritty playing style, and reputation as a clubhouse leader. However, the pull of competition proved too strong. In February 2025, he signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers, who offered him a Spring Training invite.
Despite the odds, Pillar impressed the Rangers’ staff and earned a spot on the team’s Opening Day roster in March. Over the first two months of the 2025 season, he appeared in 20 games, mostly in a bench and depth role. His bat struggled, though—he hit just .209 with a .465 OPS, and his power seemed to have diminished. On May 25, the Rangers designated him for assignment, and five days later, he was officially released.
Since then, Pillar has remained a free agent. While he has not made a formal retirement announcement, there have been no reports of interest from other MLB clubs. It’s unclear whether Pillar is holding out hope for another opportunity or if he is quietly preparing to step away from the game without fanfare.
Throughout his career, Kevin Pillar built a reputation as one of the most reliable defensive outfielders in the league, particularly during his time with the Toronto Blue Jays from 2013 to 2019. He later spent time with the Giants, Red Sox, Rockies, Mets, Dodgers, Braves, and most recently, the Rangers. Known for his fearless play and acrobatic catches, he earned the nickname “Superman” among fans for his spectacular dives in center field.
As of July 2025, the baseball world awaits a definitive word from Pillar himself. Whether his playing days are officially over or not, his impact on the game—especially as a model of perseverance and defense-first excellence—remains undeniable. If this is indeed the end, Kevin Pillar leaves behind a legacy that far exceeded the expectations once set for a 32nd-round draft pick.