Mets signing outfielder Kevin Pillar in MLB free agency

The Mets made another upgrade to their outfield, agreeing to a one-year contract with free agent Kevin Pillar on Monday, The Post’s Mike Puma confirmed.

The exact terms of the deal were not immediately known.

The 32-year-old gives the Mets a third option in center, along with Brandon Nimmo and minor league signing Albert Almora Jr. He can also provide some flexibility in left field, where Dom Smith will likely start.

The righty-hitting Pillar has bounced around after seven seasons with the Blue Jays. He hit .308 with two home runs, 13 RBIs and an .801 OPS in 24 games to close 2020 with the Rockies. Pillar began last season with the Red Sox, for whom he hit .274 in 30 games.

The Mets, who missed out on prize free agent centerfielder George Springer, have been looking to improve their outfield this offseason. While Pillar has played mostly in center, he is not the same player he was earlier in his career. But he could also serve as a defensive replacement for Smith in left. He also could start versus lefties, against whom he has a .298/.332/.538 slash line over the past two years.

source: nypost.com