Article: Prospect Spotlight Series: Alex Kirilloff

[Tom Froemming]

As a way to both look back at a great minor league season and celebrate the release of the 2019 Twins Prospect Handbook, I’m shining the spotlight on a few players in the system. Next up is Alex Kirilloff.

 

The 2019 Minnesota Twins Prospect Handbook is available in paperback for $17.99 or as an eBook for $12.99.In the first installment of this series, we took a look at right-handed pitcher Jhoan Duran and I shared some video of a brilliant start he made for Cedar Rapids. Kirilloff is much more of a known prospect across Twins Territory, but I dug up some video that I think shines some new light on his ability.

 

Alex Kirilloff is a hitter. The guy literally grew up in a batting cage. Check out his spray chart and some of his impressive opposite-field home runs in the video below, but also take note of his athleticism. I compared his speed on the bases to a couple of current Twins corner outfielders.

 

 

There you have it, I wouldn't go so far as to call Kirilloff a five-tool player, but he's definitely an even better athlete than I realized. I knew he was an excellent hitter, but his raw power also impressed me in 2018. He led all of the minor leagues in extra-base hits last season with 71 (44 doubles, seven triples and 20 home runs).

 

Kirilloff is just one of more than 160 players featured in the Prospect Handbook.We had a ton of fun putting the book together and we’re really excited for people to read it. Recognizing these minor league players for their efforts and ability is a big motivating factor in the project, so we would love for you to pick up a copy.

 

Click here for more information on the 2019 Minnesota Twins Prospect Handbook

 

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[Vanimal46]

Thanks for doing this Tom. I appreciate the Bob Ross reference in the video!

 

Several organizations across baseball are fortunate to find an advanced bat who can fly through the system. Why can't Kirilloff be our fortunate find?

 

If he's making a mockery of AA pitching like he did with A pitchers last year, I hope they let him loose to fly up the system. He doesn't have to learn to field a premium position like Lewis and Gordon, so let's hope his bat stays hot.

[DocBauer]

For the second time, THANK YOU for these profiles! Just see some content! BTW, LOVE your office or cubby hole. Very cool! Little jealous of the memorabilia on display.

 

Grateful, but still a bit befuddled how Alex was regarded as probably the best HS bat in his draft class and fell to the Twins.

 

Once again, what makes his 2018 season all the more impressive is he missed a full season due to injury and still exploded like he did. What I find interesting is that while his power dipped at Ft Myers...and the Florida league is known to be unforgiving for hitters, AND it was a new level...his BA and OB were at least slightly higher.

 

I see absolutely no reason why he shouldn't be pushed to AA to begin 2019.

[Tom Froemming]

 

If he's making a mockery of AA pitching like he did with A pitchers last year, I hope they let him loose to fly up the system. He doesn't have to learn to field a premium position like Lewis and Gordon, so let's hope his bat stays hot.

I think the only thing that's going to slow Kirilloff down is the fact that there doesn't appear to be a pressing need on the big club right now. I could see him potentially being ready as early as this June if the Twins really wanted him up, but they don't appear to have any incentive to be that aggressive.

 

What I find interesting is that while his power dipped at Ft Myers...and the Florida league is known to be unforgiving for hitters, AND it was a new level...his BA and OB were at least slightly higher.

I see absolutely no reason why he shouldn't be pushed to AA to begin 2019.

I think that performance in the FSL is really what sent him rocketing up the national lists. He had the third-best OPS of any FSL hitter with at least 250 PAs. Very impressive. Still, I don't think it would hurt him any to begin the year back with the Miracle.

[jmlease1]

I love this kid's hit tool. He's going to be a really tough out and has the strength to absolutely punish a pitcher who hangs a breaking ball or grooves a fastball.

 

It will be interesting to see how well his defense goes this season; I agree he's more athletic than we probably have thought of him and it would be wonderful if he improves that aspect while continuing to just hit everything in sight.

[big dog]

OK, that split-screen idea is incredibly fun.  Thank you.

 

[Dr. Evil]

Loved this post! Awesome!!!

[Halsey Hall]

Kirilloff has been invited to spring training.