A pair of former White Sox players are hoping to find playing opportunities in 2025.
According to two separate reports, catcher Martin Maldonado and outfielder Kevin Pillar have expressed their desire to continue playing next season. Both players, who were off the White Sox roster by the second half of 2024, find themselves in similar but different situations.
Though never known for his bat, Maldonado put together his worst campaign at the dish in 2024. The 37-year-old hit a mere .119/.174/.230 with four homers, 17 RBI, 11 wRC+ and -1.5 fWAR in 147 plate appearances. More noticeably, his glovework continued to spiral as he put up -8 Defensive Runs Saved despite playing in just 48 games. Given his abysmal metrics all around, the catcher has remained a free agent since his summer release.
Before 2024, Maldonado spent six seasons in Houston where his better defense and leadership qualities earned him playing time on the World Series champion team. The former Gold Glove award winner, who has been trending in the wrong direction for two seasons now, finds himself searching for one last opportunity. It seems hard to believe that he will draw much if any interest, though if he does manage to find a team, it would likely be on a minor-league deal with an invite to Spring Training.
Sharing a common goal with Maldonado but possessing a bit more value is Pillar, who revealed on Monday’s episode of MLB Network’s “Hot Stove” that he would like to keep playing despite announcing his intent to retire after the 2024 season.
“I’ve just had some time to reflect and I still enjoy doing it,” Pillar told Harold Reynolds and Matt Vasgersian. “I’m pretty sure I still want to play, I’m still keeping myself in shape.”
Pillar, 35, had his share of struggles with the White Sox before he was DFA’d in favor of Tommy Pham. The outfielder hit .160/.290/.360 in 32 plate appearances, contributing very little to a sputtering offense that never really improved throughout the season. Pillar, on the other hand, posted better results in 83 games with the Angels to close out his campaign with a 0.5 fWAR.
Though far removed from his prime, the free-agent outfielder said he will be attending the Baseball Winter Meetings next week in hopes of unretiring and finding a new team. It’s likely the veteran will be given a shot to earn a roster spot in Spring Training and serve as outfield depth for a team in need.
As the offseason progresses, we’ll keep an eye on Maldonado, Pillar, and other former White Sox players as they search for new homes.
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Featured Photo: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports
