“Twins' Alex Kirilloff retires from baseball, citing mental and physical toll of injuries – Twin Cities”

After years in which his promising young career was cut short by injuries, Alex Kirilloff has decided to retire from baseball altogether. He attributed this to a mental and physical ailment that made him realize that his “passion for the game has changed.”

The surprise decision, announced by Kirilloff on social media Thursday morning, comes after his most recent setback, a back injury, kept him off the field from June 11 through the end of the season.

“Baseball requires an all-in approach, something I have brought with me every season,” he wrote. “However, I can no longer give the full commitment that it requires. I have always believed that playing this game requires 110% commitment and anything less would be a disservice to my teammates, coaches, fans or the game itself.”

Kirilloff, 26, has been in the Twins' organization since 2016, when he was drafted 15th overall in the first round. He was one of the team's top talents and after making his debut in the 2020 playoffs, he was expected to be a key part of the Twins' core for years to come.

But his major league career has been plagued by injuries, starting with a wrist injury in 2021. Kirilloff underwent two right wrist surgeries after the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

After the surgery in 2023, the first baseman/outfielder underwent shoulder surgery and his final season ended early due to his back.

“As I navigate the recovery process from my current lower back injury, I look forward to focusing more on my family and exploring new opportunities,” he wrote. “Although this next chapter won’t take place on the field, my story is far from over.”

Originally published: October 31, 2024 at 10:02 am CDT