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    What Can Twins Expect From Alex Kirilloff?

    Ted Schwerzler

    By Ted Schwerzler

    For the first time in 2023, Alex Kirilloff looks like he’ll take the field for the Minnesota Twins. He didn’t appear during spring training, and obviously that meant he wouldn’t break camp with the big league club either. Now on a rehab assignment, he appears to be trending towards a return. What can we expect?

     

    Image courtesy of Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

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    Rewind a few years and Alex Kirilloff was promoted as a highly-touted prospect that debuted during a playoff game and was supposed to soften the blow of a Josh Donaldson absence. In his first season as a major leaguer, he was able to play in just 59 games after dealing with wrist issues. Undergoing season-ending surgery, the hope was that 2022 would be better. 

    Unfortunately, Kirilloff needed to shut things down last offseason before heading into spring training, and the wrist issues persisted. Playing in just 45 games last year prior to opting for surgery that literally included a breaking of his wrist, hope was renewed that 2023 would be where health and normalcy was regained.

    Understandably, it seemed a bit less-than-promising seeing Kirilloff behind during spring training. He wasn’t playing in back field games early on, and swinging was largely limited to cage sessions as opposed to live at bats. We’re now roughly a month from when Minnesota broke camp down in Fort Myers, and the return appears imminent.

    Across nine games split between Fort Myers and St. Paul, Kirilloff is 11-for-31 with a double and four home runs. He’s also seeing the ball well owning an impressive 5/6 K/BB. It was on Sunday, homering twice for the Saints in weather hovering around 40 degrees, that it finally seemed to click and appear this guy may be back.

    Despite dealing with the frigid temperatures, Kirilloff split the locations of his homers for the Saints. His first shot, a two-run blast, went over the left centerfield fence. Showing opposite field power against the conditions was plenty impressive in and of itself. His three-run blast later in the game was pulled to right center, and again reflected hard hit results we haven’t seen when he has been hurt.

    Over the past few years, it has been wildly evident when Kirilloff was dealing with his ailment. Despite short term fixes like cortisone shots, Kirilloff simply couldn’t hit anything for power as the wrist nagged him. The batted balls that left CHS Field for the Saints had exit velocities of 103 mph and 105.1 mph. That reflected similar exit velocities that he posted earlier in the week with St. Paul, as well.

    Beyond just being able to hit, Kirilloff has also kept his positional flexibility during rehab work. Playing in both the outfield and first base, he will give manager Rocco Baldelli options alongside of players such as Joey Gallo, Max Kepler, Trevor Larnach, and Donovan Solano. Initially penciled in as Minnesota’s Opening Day first baseman, he should see plenty of run on the dirt.

    It would be unfair to expect a guy that has missed so much time to return and immediately rake. That said, even with the later timeline, there hasn’t been a point in the past two years in which Kirilloff has looked this physically ready. We have heard nothing of setbacks, and the results have indicated reason to be excited as well.

    The Twins have been relatively punchless on offense thus far, and despite getting Gallo back, Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa have been slow out of the gate. Jose Miranda is still looking to get things going, and Larnach has cooled of late. Adding another bat with power potential to the lineup is a great opportunity, and following shortly behind the footsteps of Jorge Polanco would be nice to see.

    Minnesota can’t rely on Kirilloff to be their saving grace in the early going, but for a 25-year-old that had plenty of prospect steam it would be great to see a fully healthy version of him let loose. The playoff game back in 2020 was an exciting opportunity to debut, but this might be the most important return yet.

    A blogger for over a decade, passion for baseball and the Minnesota Twins runs deep. Whether at the ballpark or on the couch, I'm probably tweeting.
    Follow Ted Schwerzler on Twitter: tlschwerz

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    Featured Comments

    chpettit19

    chpettit19 23,687

  • Community Moderator

    • Posted

    I'd be fine with them DFAing Gordon to call up Kirilloff today. But my guess is, as someone else stated, Kirilloff's callup is more likely to coincide with Buxton starting to play the OF some. Means Gordon probably has 2 or 3 more weeks to show he can hit. Or someone gets hurt and Kirilloff takes their spot.

    I think Kirilloff immediately becomes the best pure hitter on the team so I'd like to see him called up sooner than later, but I don't expect the Twins to suddenly break their very cautious take to injuries. I am very happy to finally have real decisions for the FO to make for both the rotation and position players. Been a long while since that was the case. I hope they really let play dictate decisions as we get into the heart of summer. It's still very early so I get not making big decisions on someone like Gordon (I'm just not a believer), but they're going to have to make some moves with this depth as they get into July, and make decisions based on who gives them the best chance to win baseball games now, and moving forward.

    TopGunn#22

    TopGunn#22 4,223

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    I'm all in favor of getting Kirilloff up YESTERDAY.  I expect big things from him this season.  They need his bat in the middle of their lineup.  It's going to come down to Gordon or Castro.  They really don't need Gordon for CF at all.  Taylor, Gallo and Buxton will have that covered.  Kepler should also be moved if a couple more outfielder injuries happen to teams and Max hits a little bit better.  We've been carrying dead weight on our roster for a long time.  With Kirilloff healthy and Julien, Lewis and Lee knocking on the door it's time to start integrating these young talents and cast off the dead weight.  

    Minny505

    Minny505 895

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    23 hours ago, blindeke said:

    Yes please. So long, Nick Gordon.

    Maybe. I think it's more likely he replaces Castro on the roster. Castro's been better, but not so much that you dismiss Gordon's upside in his past. Plus, Castro has an option.

    Kirilloff replaces Kepler in the lineup. Even the Twins' media mouthpieces are saying this. I hope it is with the purpose of prepping the general fan of a coming move.

    Major League Ready

    Major League Ready 10,427

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    2 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

    Gordon (once he proves he’s remotely capable at the plate) is the answer, along with Gallo, in CF v. RH pitching (75-80% of the time). Taylor has filled in great, but he’s a defensive specialist and a platoon RH bat against LH pitching.

    I think Buxton starts 30-40 games in CF May - September.

    Larnach & Gallo & Kepler can rotate through corner OF spots.

    Again, Larnach is on pace to have 110RBI & he currently occupies Kiriloff’s spot in the roster. You are absolutely right, Kiriloff needs to show more in St. Paul before we start DFAing anyone. (i.e. Solano or Gordon)

    Let's hop Buxton can eventually play 50% of games in CF.  They have Gordon / Gallo / and Kepler who are all capable of a limited role and eventually Lewis should be the primary back-up.  

    I am really on the fence in terms of when to bring Kirilloff back because we just don't have enough information.  With what we know today, it makes sense to option him until he can play 6 days a week.   

    Squirrel

    Squirrel 42,956

  • Community Moderator

    • Posted

    23 hours ago, stringer bell said:

    Gallo's been ok at first, especially compared to Solano, and he is a big target to throw to, but I don't think he's as good a first baseman as Kirilloff and I think Gallo is probably a better outfielder than AK. 

    I think Gallo is a talented player, that as he gets more reps at first, he will be as good as anyone there. I've been very impressed by his play there so far this year. However, he IS an OFer, and when AK comes back, I'm assuming we see more of him in the OF. Although AK plays both positions, too. There will probably be a lot of mix and match for both of them, especially if both are hitting.

    Squirrel

    Squirrel 42,956

  • Community Moderator

    • Posted

    19 hours ago, Nine of twelve said:

    I know the bone that was removed was from a forearm bone (I think the ulna but I don't remember). I didn't realize that there was cartilage removed from the wrist, so that means the surgery involved both the wrist and the forearm.

    Nitpick: the wrist is a joint involving forearm bones connecting to the hand, so it isn't incorrect to call it wrist surgery. It was the wrist area that was affected and the 'cure' was to cut out part of the forearm bone near the joint.

    LA Vikes Fan

    LA Vikes Fan 8,116

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    15 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

    Kirilloff needs to play for St. Paul until he proves he is fully healthy and forces the Twins to make a decision through his play. AK needs to earn his call up to MLB. He hasn't really proven anything with the Twins. 

    However, AK does have the sweetest swing in the organization and can totally mash. He is a fair outfielder but a good first baseman.

    It would sure be nice to see Alex work on his selectivity at the plate and lay off the high stuff. Similar to Miranda, Kirilloff thinks he can hit any pitch and MLB pitchers will take advantage.

    The best arrangement possible puts AK at 1B, Buxton in CF, Kepler in RF, Gallo in LF, and Larnach as the DH. These guys can also rotate as well. There are plenty of bats to go around.

    This tells you that AK coming up is probably dependent on Buxton playing CF 3-4 times a week. Taylor plays CF when Buxton DHs or sits and one of the other 3 or Kepler sits when Taylor is in CF and Buxton is the DH. I think that's been the plan all along.    

    Major League Ready

    Major League Ready 10,427

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    41 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

    Dan Hayes reporting that Kirilloff is set to play 9 innings again for the Saints today. First time playing 9 innings back to back days. Would think that's a significant step in his return.

    Did Hayes report anything from the team in terms of how his wrist is responding?

    chpettit19

    chpettit19 23,687

  • Community Moderator

    • Posted

    4 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

    Did Hayes report anything from the team in terms of how his wrist is responding?

    I didn't see anything from Hayes, but Do-Hyoung Park said "Paparesta says with this, they've done what they've needed to do from a medical standpoint, and it just becomes a baseball decision soon."

    JD-TWINS

    JD-TWINS 6,210

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    No matter what Alex does (I think our roster is great - just a point of interest here) he won’t be able to touch Luis Arraez 2023 start to the season. Happy for Luis!!

    As of 4/27 games:

    .483 OBP

    I he goes 0-20 in his next 20 AB’s, he’ll still be hitting .340! He’s 34-80 and currently batting .425 …….25 games into the season.

    What a fantastic hitter!! Hope he wins another title this year in NL……only been done a couple times - Batting Crown in each league.

     

    JD-TWINS

    JD-TWINS 6,210

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    4 hours ago, LA VIkes Fan said:

    This tells you that AK coming up is probably dependent on Buxton playing CF 3-4 times a week. Taylor plays CF when Buxton DHs or sits and one of the other 3 or Kepler sits when Taylor is in CF and Buxton is the DH. I think that's been the plan all along.    

    You lost me. Kiriloff being tied to Buxton playing CF has no connection I can get behind.

    Taylor plays CF v. LH pitching & when Buxton is unable to play and/or Gordon is struggling v. RH pitching. Gordon has been ice cold & Buxton has been designated to resting his body while DHing for the first 5-6 weeks of the season.

    Kiriloff has to displace Larnach or Solano from the 26 man. One is leading team in RBI and the other has played pretty well and has no options to be sent down - we’d have to DFA Solano. Kiriloff has to be at a high level to displace either of these guys!

    Nine of twelve

    Nine of twelve 9,469

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    7 hours ago, Squirrel said:

    Nitpick: the wrist is a joint involving forearm bones connecting to the hand, so it isn't incorrect to call it wrist surgery. It was the wrist area that was affected and the 'cure' was to cut out part of the forearm bone near the joint.

    The wrist begins where the forearm ends. The wrist ends where the hand begins. It consists of 8 bones. It's clearly defined anatomically. Forearm bones simply are not part of the wrist. The "wrist area" is very vague terminology. Could be from the elbow to the fingertips if that's how someone wants to define it.

    Squirrel

    Squirrel 42,956

  • Community Moderator

    • Posted

    4 minutes ago, Nine of twelve said:

    The wrist begins where the forearm ends. The wrist ends where the hand begins. It consists of 8 bones. It's clearly defined anatomically. Forearm bones simply are not part of the wrist. The "wrist area" is very vague terminology. Could be from the elbow to the fingertips if that's how someone wants to define it.

    My apologies. I didn’t realize you were a medical doctor with an expertise in this field of medicine. Are you heezy’s intern?

    Nine of twelve

    Nine of twelve 9,469

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    14 minutes ago, Squirrel said:

    My apologies. I didn’t realize you were a medical doctor with an expertise in this field of medicine. Are you heezy’s intern?

    One needn't be an MD to know the anatomy. Similarly, I'm not a professional musician but I know how to tell the difference between a violin and a viola. (A viola burns longer.)

    LA Vikes Fan

    LA Vikes Fan 8,116

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    23 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

    You lost me. Kiriloff being tied to Buxton playing CF has no connection I can get behind.

    Taylor plays CF v. LH pitching & when Buxton is unable to play and/or Gordon is struggling v. RH pitching. Gordon has been ice cold & Buxton has been designated to resting his body while DHing for the first 5-6 weeks of the season.

    Kiriloff has to displace Larnach or Solano from the 26 man. One is leading team in RBI and the other has played pretty well and has no options to be sent down - we’d have to DFA Solano. Kiriloff has to be at a high level to displace either of these guys!

    My thinking is that Kirilloff won't be called up unless there is path to playing time roughly every day. There isn't now with Buxton at DH unless we're going to sit Larnach, Gallo, or Kepler regularly while Buxton is the DH. The only way to get all 5 in the lineup regularly - which should be the goal - is to have one of them in CF regularly with Taylor on the bench. Normally I would say bench Kepler but he has been our best hitter the last 7-10 games. I'm not ready to say that Kirilloff represents an upgrade over any of the 5 RF/LF/1B/DH options unless you take Buxton out of that mix but putting him in CF 4-5 times a week.  

    Is he an upgrade over Gordon or Castro? Sure at the plate, but Kirilloff can't play in the IF outside of 1B os you sacrifice some depth and maneuverability if you drop one of those guys. Besides, Castro goes when Farmer comes back.  Solano? Tough one since hits better than Kirilloff has shown and he's RH and we need RH bats. Even if Kirilloff comes up for Solano or Gordon, there's no place to play him regularly unless we bench Taylor. That's why Buxton playing CF is the key to me. 



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