Kevin Pillar’s new contract with the Chicago White Sox includes a $1 million salary when he’s playing in the major leagues and $180,000 if he’s assigned to the minors.
Pillar also has the chance to earn up to $500,000 in bonuses based on the number of times he appears at bat, starting from 150 plate appearances and increasing by $50,000 for each additional 25 up to 375.
The White Sox made some roster moves, placing catcher Max Stassi on the 10-day injured list due to left hip inflammation. Additionally, they signed outfielder Robbie Grossman to a minor league contract and called up catcher Korey Lee from Triple-A Charlotte.
Initially, Pillar was in camp on a minor league deal that could have paid him $3 million if he made it to the 40-man roster. However, he was released on Friday. The team then announced on Sunday that they reached a big league deal with the 35-year-old outfielder.
Last season, Pillar played for the Atlanta Braves, where he batted .228 with nine home runs and 32 RBIs in 81 games. With Stassi sidelined, Lee is expected to serve as the backup catcher for the White Sox at the start of the season. The team previously signed Martín Maldonado to a one-year contract in January.
Lee was acquired by the White Sox in a trade with the Houston Astros in July, where he played 24 games last year, batting .077 with his first major league home run.
