Former Jay Kevin Pillar retires after 13 seasons

Kevin Pillar is hanging up his cleats.

The former Toronto Blue Jays centre-fielder announced his retirement Wednesday after 13 seasons in Major League Baseball.

Pillar became a Blue Jays fan favourite and earned the “Superman” nickname for routinely making highlight-reel catches to rob opposing teams of home runs.

Related Videos

2:08 Toronto season seat holders face uncertainty in Ontario with Doug Ford’s ticket resale legislation

• Toronto season seat holders face uncertainty in Ontario with Doug Ford’s ticket resale legislation
• Blue Jays well represented at MLB All-Star Game
• Raptors put Kawhi Leonard trade on hold, Jays surging ahead of All-Star break
• Blue Jays buzz lifts Toronto economy amid Leafs disappointment
• Opening Day: Blue Jays baseball returns to Rogers Centre
• Blue Jays chase championship in 50th season
• Blue Jays open spring training with high expectations
• Toronto Blue Jays prepare to celebrate 50th season
• ‘Its disheartening:’ Jays home opener tickets snatched up amid hefty prices
• Bo Bichette leaves Jays for Mets

Previous Video

Next Video

The 36-year-old from West Hills, Calif., spent seven seasons in Toronto from 2013 to 2019, tallying 44 homers and 231 RBIs in 695 games.

Get breaking National news

Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

After the Blue Jays traded him to the San Francisco Giants in 2019, Pillar travelled through the majors.

He had stints with the Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers from 2020 to 2025.

Pillar initially said he would retire after the 2024 season, but ultimately signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers this season. He made the MLB club out of spring training but was designated for assignment May 31.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 2, 2025.