Alex Kirilloff announces retirement from MLB

Alex Kirilloff is ready to start a new chapter.

The Twins outfielder and first baseman announced Thursday that he has decided to retire from Major League Baseball after nine years in the organization. He has been placed on the voluntary retired list and will explore new options.

“After nine seasons in professional baseball, today I am announcing my decision to retire from the sport,” Kirilloff said in a statement. “Baseball has always been a cornerstone of my life. Starting with my childhood in western Pennsylvania, where I grew up the son of a baseball coach. Spending countless hours in the batting cages and hitting hundreds of balls every day fueled my dream of playing Major League Baseball.

“Making that dream come true has been an absolute joy – and this journey has been filled with unforgettable moments, challenges that have led to growth and lasting experiences that have enriched my life beyond measure.”

Kirilloff, 26, was one of the most promising prospects in baseball, and he showed flashes in the major leagues, slashing .248/.412/.721 with 40 doubles, five triples, 27 home runs and 116 RBIs in 249 career games with the Gemini.

But Kirilloff was forced to navigate injury after injury. In 2017, Kirilloff underwent Tommy John surgery. He missed a lot of time in 2019 with a wrist injury that became an ongoing problem from then on. This season, Kirilloff played 57 games before landing on the injured list with a lower back injury that kept him on the sidelines for the rest of the year.

Kirilloff said the injuries have taken a toll on him both mentally and physically.

“Throughout my career, I have encountered numerous injuries that have kept me constantly looking for new ways to overcome pain,” said Kirilloff. “These challenges have taken their toll mentally and physically; over time I have realized that my passion for playing the game has shifted. Baseball requires an ‘all-in’ approach, something I have brought with me every season “I can no longer give it the total effort it requires. I have 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.”

The Twins selected Kirilloff with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2016 first-year player draft. Kirilloff was the Twins’ Minor League Player of the Year in 2018 after hitting .348 between Low-A and High-A and driving in 101 runs. His debut came in the 2020 playoffs, where Kirilloff became the first player to record a postseason hit before a regular season hit.

Kirilloff thanked his wife and family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff and Twins fans for all the support during his nine years with the organization. He was able to realize his dream of becoming a Major League Baseball player, moments he certainly won’t soon forget. But now Kirilloff is ready to start the next chapter in his life, a new challenge that he is excited to take on.

“Your belief in me made all the difference, and I will be forever grateful,” Kirilloff said. “I want to thank the Minnesota Twins for giving me an opportunity. The things I experienced will be with me for the rest of my life as I navigate the recovery process for my current primary back injury, I’m excited to focus more on my family and explore new opportunities. Although this next chapter won’t be on the field, my story is far from over.