Minnesota Twins OF/1B Alex Kirilloff is Retiring

By Ted Schwerzler |

Updated: Oct 31, 2024

Alex Kirilloff - Minnesota Twins — Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

It hasn’t even been 24 hours since the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series and the Minnesota Twins are making huge news. Out of nowhere, 26-year-old former first round pick Alex Kirilloff has decided to retire from the game of baseball.

Minnesota Twins’ Alex Kirilloff announces retirement

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

Alex Kirilloff full statement – via Twitter (X)

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 hours in the batting cages, hitting hundreds of balls daily, fueled my dream of playing Major League Baseball. Living that dream has been an absolute joy – and this journey has been filled with unforgettable moments, challenges that led to growth, and lasting experiences that have enriched my life beyond measure.

In my nine professional seasons, I’ve encountered numerous injuries, which led me to search for new ways to overcome the pain. These challenges have taken a toll on me mentally and physically; over time, I’ve realized that my passion for playing the game has shifted. Baseball demands an ‘all-in’ approach, something I’ve brought to every season. However, I can no longer give it the total commitment it requires. I’ve always believed that playing this game requires 110% effort, and anything less would not do justice to my teammates, coaches, fans, or the game itself.

I am deeply grateful for the support I’ve received from my wife, family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff, and fans throughout my career. There are so many people to thank, and I will personally thank them. Your belief in me made all the difference, and I will be forever grateful. I’d like to thank the Minnesota Twins for giving me an opportunity. The things I was able to experience, I’ll be able to take with me the rest of my life.

As I navigate the recovery process for my current lower back injury, I’m excited to focus more on my family and explore new opportunities. While this next chapter won’t take place on the field, my story is far from over.

With love and appreciation, Alex Kirilloff

What never was for Kirilloff, Twins

Last season the Minnesota Twins watched Alex Kirilloff come out of the gates scorching hot. Through his first 20 games he owned an .826 OPS with nine extra-base hits. Unfortunately he played in just 37 more games from that point forward, and did so while generating just a .535 OPS.

Kirilloff’s decision to retire comes after just four seasons spent at the major league level. His 88 games played in 2023 were a career high, and his tenure was marred by different maladies. As a prospect Kirilloff underwent Tommy John surgery. His nagging wrist issues caused a procedure that required the literal shaving of his bone. In 2024 a back issue put him on the shelf.

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

When Minnesota selected Kirilloff with the 15th overall pick during the 2016 MLB Draft, they did so while dreaming on the sweet swing of a Pittsburgh high schooler. He was going to hit for power, but there was high-average upside as well. Prior to his big league debut he was a mainstay on top prospect lists and appeared in the 2018 Futures Game.

When my son played on our travel teams, I didn’t keep anyone’s batting average, doubles, home run stats. The only thing that mattered to me was quality contact. well-hit rate! When we got into the van, and Alex was 0-4 with four well hit balls, I told Alex great job, you were 4-4 pic.twitter.com/REk3bLt3vY
— Dave KIRILLOFF / Hitting Advisor (@kirilloff19) May 4, 2021

Ultimately Kirilloff finishes his career with just 249 games played, 198 hits, and 27 home runs. He leaves the game on his terms and gets to spend time doing whatever is next with his family.

Where do the Minnesota Twins go from here?

It was certainly plausible that the Minnesota Twins wouldn’t employ Alex Kirilloff during 2025. Retirement or not, performance had warranted a demotion prior to his injury. He had been shifted more towards the corner outfield than first base, and that made him a potential trade candidate.

It is still a reality that the Twins don’t have a clear answer at first base. Carlos Santana is a free agent, and internal options aren’t obvious. Edouard Julien could slide over to the position, but an external candidate may be a better fit. Obviously the Twins have an extra spot on the 40-man roster with Kirilloff’s decision, and they can fill that quickly.

Derek Falvey gets the benefit of this move happening early during the offseason and he can now construct a path forward.