Minnesota Twins outfielder Alex Kirilloff announced a surprise retirement from Major League Baseball on Thursday morning, citing the physical toll of injuries. This comes after his 2024 campaign, which lasted only 57 games, when he injured his lower back on June 11. In a post to his social media accounts, Kirilloff mentions not only the physical toll of injuries but also the mental side as well.
Twins Outfielder Alex Kirilloff Retires
After nine seasons in professional baseball, I’m announcing my decision to step away from the game today. Baseball has always been a cornerstone of my life. Starting with my childhood in western Pennsylvania, where I grew up as the son of a baseball coach. Spending countless…
— Alex Kirilloff (@AKirilloff19) October 31, 2024
Promising Prospect
Kirilloff played parts of four seasons with the Twins. Debuting in 2021, playing 59 games, he managed a sold .251 batting average, 8 home runs, and 34 RBI. His .423 slugging percentage hinted at the potential power he could bring to the lineup as he became relied upon at various spots in the outfield and first base.
2022 marked the first time Kirilloff missed time due to injury. This limited him to 45 games and only three home runs that year. Trying to forget the struggle of 2022, Kirilloff had the best year of his career in 2023. Hitting .270 over 88 games, he recorded 11 home runs and 41 RBI. 2023 underscored his potential with a .793 OPS and 125 total bases. He was even AL Player of the Week in July of that season.
Final Season
Battling ongoing injuries, Kirilloff’s performance declined in 2024. Despite a .201 batting average and reduced .653 OPS, Kirilloff still displayed some power with five home runs and three triples out of 32 hits in 57 games. His 162-game average for his career consists of a .248/.309/.412 line, with around 18 home runs and 75 RBI. It is a true testament to his potential skill.
Alex Kirilloff has decided to retire from the game of baseball.
We thank him for his 9 years in the Twins organization and wish him nothing but the best on his future endeavors! pic.twitter.com/R7d1zQh8cD
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) October 31, 2024
Retirement Impact
Kirilloff is still recovering from the lower back injury that ultimately was the demise of his career. He notes being able to focus on his family while continuing his rehab. For the Twins, it means losing a player they highly touted as the 15th overall draft pick in the 2016 amateur draft. While injuries halted what could have been an impactful career, Kirilloff’s glimpses of brilliance during his shortened career will remain memorable to Twins fans.
Main Photo Credits: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
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