Kevin Pillar officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball in early July 2025, after a 13‑season career spanning multiple teams. He made the announcement during an appearance on the “Foul Territory” podcast.
Kevin Pillar had said earlier he was “98% sure” he was going to retire at the end of the 2024 season. He had offseason thumb surgery and during his recovery process, as he got cleared and started hitting again, he felt the itch to play again—that pushed him to delay the retirement. He then signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers in February 2025, which included an invitation to spring training.
Kevin Pillar made Texas’ Opening Day roster, but struggled offensively. Over around 20 games with the Rangers, his slash line was about .209/.209/.256. In late May, Pillar was designated for assignment and then released by the Rangers.
Pillar reflected that being away from the game gave him perspective. He talked about missing the game and realizing how much he enjoyed it, but also acknowledged the toll it takes—both mentally and physically—especially when performances dip or when you’re unsure of your spot. He expressed that in retirement he’s happy waking up excited to be a dad, enjoying life’s simple things without the weight of game‑to‑game failure.
He finishes his career with a lifetime batting line around .255/.293/.405, totaling 114 home runs and playing for ten major league franchises including the Blue Jays, Giants, Red Sox, Rockies, Mets, Dodgers, Braves, White Sox, Angels, and Rangers. His defensive work, especially earlier in his career, and his hustle were hallmarks that many fans remember.
