Alex Kirilloff Announces Retirement – ​​MLB Trade Rumors

Twins outfielder and first baseman Alex Kirilloff is retiring from his playing career, he announced on his personal Instagram account this morning. The Twins then confirmed his retirement in an announcement

The surprising decision is due to the numerous injuries Kirilloff has suffered throughout his career. The outfielder was plagued by a series of wrist, shoulder and back injuries throughout his career, resulting in him being on the injured list seven times in his four years in the majors, limiting him to just 249 big league games limited. This long list of injuries includes three surgeries: two on the wrist and one on the shoulder.

“During my nine professional seasons, I had numerous injuries, which led me to look for new ways to overcome the pain. These challenges took a toll on me mentally and physically; Over time, I noticed that my passion for the game changed.” Kirilloff said in his announcement. “Baseball requires an all-in approach, something I have brought with me every season. However, I can no longer give it the full commitment 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's professional career began when he was selected 15th overall by the Twins in the 2016 draft. Although he didn't make his full pro debut until 2018, Kirilloff pitched through the lower levels of the minors with a .348/.392/.578 batting line in 130 games at the Single-A and High-A levels. This first full season, which immediately catapulted him to top prospect status. He entered 2019 as a top-20 prospect in the sport, and even after a slight dip in production in his first taste of Double-A action this year, he remained a consensus top-30 prospect in the game as he achieved his major league debut in 2021.

Although Kirilloff was hampered by a torn wrist ligament, his first season in the majors was generally solid, as he posted a league average of approximately .251/.299/.423 with eight home runs and 11 doubles in just 231 appearances. Unfortunately, these wrist problems continued to plague Kirilloff in his second year as a star player, making only 156 appearances in 45 games and requiring wrist surgery for the second consecutive year.

After that second wrist surgery, things finally seemed to be looking up for the talented youngster last year. His season debut was delayed until early May due to recovery from the aforementioned surgery, but he hit quite well with a .314/.448/.486 slash line in his first month in the majors. While his production dipped somewhat from there, he remained a fixture in the Twins lineup in the first half, hitting solid .270/.357/.442 through the end of July. Unfortunately, he had to be sidelined immediately due to a right shoulder strain, which resulted in him being out for the entire month of August. Although he managed to return toward the end of the year to play another 19 games in September, the illness ultimately required further surgery, forcing him into offseason rehab for the third consecutive season.

When Kirilloff returned to the Twins' lineup in 2024, he again hit quite well to start the season with a slash line of .259/.323/.471 through May 1. Unfortunately, even though his baseline numbers were solid, the outfielder began to struggle, hitting just .135/.207/.284 over the final 30 games of his big league career. Once again plagued by injury, Kirilloff was placed on the injured list in mid-June due to a back injury that he tried to play through. The injury turned out to be due to a nerve problem, and although he began a rehab stint with the Twins in late August, it only lasted one game before he was sidelined again. With a fourth straight season dominated by the rehab process, it's understandable that Kirilloff was, in his own words, unable to give the “110 percent effort” required to be a professional To be a ballplayer.

Overall, Kirilloff finished his big league career with 249 games played in the majors and a respectable batting average of .248/.309/.412 in 884 appearances. We at MLB Trade Rumors congratulate Kirilloff on the hard work and perseverance he has shown throughout his career and wish him all the best in retirement.