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Colorado Rockies: Kevin Pillar trade will be under the radar winner

ByJames Simmons|
AUGUST 29: Kevin Pillar #42 of the Boston Red Sox rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Washington Nationalsduring the fourth inning at Fenway Park on August 29, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
AUGUST 29: Kevin Pillar #42 of the Boston Red Sox rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Washington Nationalsduring the fourth inning at Fenway Park on August 29, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Here’s why the Colorado Rockies won’t regret trading for Kevin Pillar.

Kevin Pillar was essentially bought by the Colorado Rockies from the Boston Red Sox.

Sure, as a transaction, Boston will receive a player to be named later or cash considerations. In reality, they gave Pillar away for literally nothing. The player to be named might be someone not in the Rockies 60-man player pool, though if he is not one of the top 60 guys in the organization what are the odds he pans out?

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As far as outfielders acquired at the deadline Pillar ranks behind only Starling Marte on the list for players who are going to make a difference with their new teams.

You know Kevin Pillar. He made a name for himself as a defensive guru, tracking down long drives in the vast caverns of the Rogers Center for the Toronto Blue Jays. His defense is the first thing people think of when they hear his name, though he can wield the lumber as well.

A year ago, Pillar hit 21 home runs and 37 doubles while driving in a career-high 88 runs.

Both his bat and his glove will be welcome assets to Coors Field. The versatile outfielder was hitting .276 with the Red Sox at the time of the trade, to go along with three outfield assists and a perfect fielding percentage.

Pillar is a rental, a free agent at the end of the year, and could be a player the Rockies bring back. First things, first. The Rockies are in a position to win a wild card spot right now and have added a key piece to help them achieve this.

Anthony Castrovince, of MLB.com, ranks the Kevin Pillar trade in the top half of all the trades completed this year. I have to agree. Single-handedly, Pillar made the Rockies winners at the deadline.

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