Kevin Pillar is calling it quits.
The ex-Mets outfielder announced that he’s retiring during an appearance on “Foul Territory” on Wednesday.
“When I was away from baseball after being designated for assignment, I began to understand that although achieving success and hitting home runs in the game is wonderful, the impact of failures like striking out or going hitless in recent games often overshadowed my accomplishments,” shared the 36-year-old Pillar on the show.
“I found that the failures in the game were much harder for me to handle compared to the joy of my successes. Now, I no longer have to face those failures, and that makes me quite content. Every morning, I’m thrilled to embrace my role as a father and see what unfolds throughout the day.”
Pillar spent 13 seasons in the big leagues, playing for 10 different franchises.
He spent the first six-plus seasons of his career with the Blue Jays before bouncing around the league.
In 2021, Pillar played 124 games for the Amazin’s, hitting .231/.277/.415 with 15 home runs.
Pillar opened the year with the Rangers but struggled in 43 plate appearances, hitting .209/.209/.256 before being released by the franchise in May.
He revealed Wednesday that he nearly hung up his cleats after a tough 2024 season before giving his big league career one last shot.
“I conversed with many former players who shared that once retired, it’s nearly impossible to return to the game,” Pillar explained. “I wanted to be certain that I was truly finished with playing, but eventually, I started to really miss it.”
Pillar finished his career slashing .255/.293/.405 with 111 long balls.
