MINNEAPOLIS — On Thursday, Alex Kirilloff, an outfielder for the Minnesota Twins, announced his retirement from baseball at the age of 26. Kirilloff has faced ongoing injury challenges that have hindered his ability to achieve his full potential since being drafted in the first round in 2016.
This past season, Kirilloff managed to participate in only 57 games, largely due to a persistent lower back issue. He recorded a batting average of .201, hit five home runs, racked up 20 RBIs, and concluded the season with an OPS of .653. His last appearance on the field was on June 11.
After being reassigned to Triple-A St. Paul, Kirilloff experienced increased discomfort in his lower back, coupled with nerve pain in his leg. He admitted that he had initially downplayed the severity of his injuries, motivated by a desire to continue playing. However, he ultimately could not recover sufficiently to make a return to the game.
In a video call with members of the media, Kirilloff shared that he had been diagnosed with a chronic stress fracture and a slipping vertebra, injuries that might require up to a year of rehabilitation to heal completely.
“It’s a moment where you have to ask yourself, ‘Is continuing to play worth it, and how would this impact my quality of life in the future?’” he reflected.
During a productive 2023 season, Kirilloff posted a batting average of .270 with 11 home runs over 88 games, marking his most successful year in the major leagues. While he primarily played first base last year, he has spent a considerable portion of his career as a corner outfielder or designated hitter.
Kirilloff earned the title of Minnesota’s Minor League Player of the Year in 2018 and made his major league debut during the 2020 playoffs. However, he encountered several injuries to his wrist and shoulder, and although it appeared he had finally overcome these setbacks in 2024, his back issues resurfaced. In total, he played 249 career games, achieving a batting average of .248, with 27 home runs, 116 RBIs, and a .721 OPS.
The Pennsylvania native indicated that he had been contemplating his future for some time and felt at peace with his decision in the weeks leading up to his announcement.
“These difficulties have taken a significant mental and physical toll. Over time, I’ve recognized that my passion for the game has changed. Baseball requires a total commitment, something I’ve given every season,” Kirilloff stated in a heartfelt social media post. “Unfortunately, I’m unable to dedicate the full effort it demands. I’ve always believed that playing this game requires 110% effort, and anything less is unfair to my teammates, coaches, fans, or the sport itself.”