Are the Minnesota Twins Done with Alex Kirilloff?

“I’m not certain Alex Kirilloff is still part of the Twins’ plans. He’s projected to make $1.8 million in 2025 via arbitration, which is cheap enough to keep him around. However, he’s behind fellow left-handed hitters Matt Wallner and Trevor Larnach on the corner-outfield depth chart, and last offseason the Twins signed Carlos Santana to avoid playing Kirilloff at first base.”

Aaron Gleeman on Alex Kirilloff (The Athletic)

At some point, the assumed upside for Kirilloff can’t be a hope any longer. Injuries and ineffectiveness have marred his career more than anything. Glimpses as to what initial projections pegged him for have been few and far between. It isn’t as though Kirilloff’s projected arbitration number is a hurdle, but he takes a roster spot that may be unwarranted.

Minnesota demoted Kirilloff for performance last season. He never made it to Triple-A, but that suggests he’s not necessarily guaranteed a spot on the big league roster out of the gate either. I’m not sure what another run through Triple-A will substantiate, and that isn’t going to prop up Kirilloff’s value either. He would appear to be a prime trade candidate over the offseason.

It would be disappointing to see Kirilloff wind up as a non-tender candidate, but that’s not out of the question. There’s no denying that there will always be questions as to what could have been if he had stayed healthy.