Blue Jays trade Kevin Pillar to Giants

Ok, I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am.

The Blue Jays traded Kevin Pillar to the Giants for RHP Derek Law, infielder Alen Hanson and minor league pitcher Juan De Paula.

Law, 28, was drafted in the 9th round of the 2011 draft. He hasn’t had a great deal of success in the majors, 3.83 ERA in 3 seasons, 109 games. His best year was his rookie year, putting up a 2.13 ERA in 61 games all in relief. Last year he got into just 7 major league games with a 7.43 ERA. In AAA he had a 4.20 ERA in 33 games. He apparently was DFAed by the Giants this spring.

Hanson, 25, plays everywhere, the only positions he hasn’t played in the majors is pitcher, catcher and first base. He has played 3 MLB seasons, for 3 different teams, Pirates, White Sox and Giants. He has a .238/.269/.384 line in 243 MLB games. He hit .252/.274/.425 in 110 games last year. He was also DFAed this spring.

The best piece of the trade is Juan De Paula, 21. He’s a RHP. He is number 19 on the Giants MLB Pipeline prospect list. He was an international signing, back in 2014 out of the Dominican Republic. He is a big guy, 6’3”. His best pitch is a fastball that they say ranges from 92-97 MPH.

While he has the potential for a solid three-pitch repertoire, De Paula lacks consistency with his curveball and changeup, with the latter a bit more reliable. His control is also a work in progress, though he does a nice job of working the bottom of the strike zone with his heater. He has a ceiling as a No. 4 starter if he makes the necessary improvements and also could develop into a fastball-heavy reliever.

He’s tall but skinny so he should be adding muscle and maybe some more speed to his fastball.

Last year he split time between low A and A ball, with a 1.72 ERA in 11 games, 10 starts. He pitched 52.1 innings, allowed 37 hits, 27 walks and 55 strikeouts. Too many walks but the rest looks good.

I will admit I hoped they could get more for Kevin, but he is 30 now. His defense isn’t quite what it once was and, unfortunately, his bat is what it has always been.

It seems that, for the most part, the trade was to make room in the outfield for Anthony Alford. Alford is 24 now and though he isn’t a finished prospect, I’m happy with them bringing him up and letting him figure things out at the major league level. He is an exciting looking player and we could use some excitement in our games.

Bye Kevin, I’ll miss you. I’ll write something longer later but I’ve enjoyed watching you play. We’ll remember your catches in the outfield for a long time and your steal of home was just beautiful. I always hoped you would find a little more consistency at the plate, and maybe a little more patience, but we should appreciate the player we had not the player we wanted.