Alex Kirilloff announces his 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 with the organization. He has been placed on the voluntary retirement list and will explore new opportunities.

The 26-year-old Kirilloff showed flashes on the field, hitting .248/.412/.721 with 40 doubles, five triples, 27 home runs and 116 RBIs in 249 career games. But injuries had derailed a promising career. In four seasons with the major league club, Kirilloff never played more than 88 games. While with the Twins, he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2017 and missed half of the 2019 season with a wrist injury, which became an ongoing problem from then on. That season, Kirilloff played in just 57 games before a lower back injury landed him on the injured list and was unable to play the rest of the year.

Kirilloff said the injuries took a toll on him mentally and physically.

“During my career, I have had numerous injuries, which led me to constantly look for new ways to overcome pain,” Kirilloff said in a statement. “These challenges took a toll on me mentally and physically. Over time, I noticed that my passion for the game changed. Baseball requires an “all-in” approach, something I have brought with me every season. 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.”

The Twins selected Kirilloff with the No. 15 pick in the 2016 first-year draft. Kirilloff was the Twins' minor league player of the year in 2018 after batting .348 between Low-A and High-A and driving in 101 runs. He made his debut in the playoffs in 2020, where Kirilloff became the first player to record a postseason hit before one in the regular season.

“I am deeply grateful for the support I have received throughout my career from my wife, family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff and fans,” Kirilloff said. “There are so many people I have to thank and I will thank them personally.” Your belief in me made all the difference and I will be forever grateful. I want to thank the Minnesota Twins for giving me a chance. I will take the things I experienced with me for the rest of my life. As I move through the recovery process from my current lower back injury, I look forward to focusing more on my family and exploring new opportunities. Even though this next chapter won’t take place on the field, my story is far from over.”