- Minnesota Twins outfielder/first baseman announces retirement at 26
- The Pittsburgh native has played for the Twins since 2020
- Kirilloff said he is excited to explore new opportunities away from the field
Minnesota Twins outfielder/first baseman Alex Kirilloff has announced his retirement from the MLB aged just 26.
Persistent injuries
Kirilloff, who comes from Pittsburgh, has said that persistent injuries have forced him out of the game.
In a post on Instagram, Kirilloff explained: “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.”
Kirilloff was a highly regarded prospect when he first appeared on the scene. He was the 15th overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft. He made his debut for the Minnesota Twins in 2020 and in 249 games he hit 27 home runs and 116 runs batted in. His batting average is .250.
In the post announcing his retirement, Kirilloff thanked his wife, family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff and fans for their support throughout his career.
Looking to the future
As for the future, Kirilloff said that he is currently recovering from a lower back injury, but is “excited to focus more on my family and explore new opportunities.”
He added: “While this next chapter won’t take place on the field, my story is far from over.”
Kirilloff’s retirement from the MLB will come as a disappointment to fans all over the world. One country where baseball is becoming more popular is the UK.
Pubity recently caught up with Chase Uttley, who is now an ambassador for Major League Baseball in Europe. The former Philadelphia Phillies and LA Dodgers second baseman is not only loving life as a London resident but also passionate about making the sport a household name there.
