BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues
ROSTERED IN: 30% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: Minnesota Twins first baseman and outfielder Alex Kirilloff was called up from Triple-A in early May to help shore up the team’s depth chart after Max Kepler (hamstring) went down. Kirilloff has accomplished more than just fortify the offense, generating a lively .886 OPS with three home runs and six RBI over his first 53 at-bats in 2023.
The Twins roster is beginning to resemble an infirmary with each of Jorge Polanco (hamstring), Royce Lewis (knee), Trevor Larnach (illness) and Nick Gordon (leg) ailing on the injured list. Carlos Correa (foot) and Joey Gallo (hamstring) have suffered setbacks lately as well. With Byron Buxton restricted to designated-hitter duties to boot, Kirilloff’s stay in the majors is bound to last longer than perhaps originally anticipated, even when Kepler returns.
The former top-10 MLB prospect, Kirilloff, has shown very well in Triple-A action, slashing a hearty .354/.459/.663 with 15 homers and 47 RBI over 209 plate appearances at that level.
The left-handed Kirilloff’s playing time has been a bit sporadic, however, thus far in 2023. That might only be temporary while he works his way back from surgery in August 2022 to address lingering wrist issues. Minnesota’s former number-two overall prospect can do damage against southpaws.
Kirilloff has virtually nonexistent platoon splits with a .718 OPS versus right-handed pitching as opposed to a .721 OPS against lefties over 412 career at-bats. The 25-year-old has consistently occupied a premium spot in Minnesota’s batting order since his call-up, enhancing his already intriguing fantasy upside.
The Twins are operating far too short-handed right now for fantasy managers to be concerned about Kirilloff potentially being sent back down to the minors any time soon. He’s certainly not in line for a demotion while hitting the ball well.
The former first-round pick may even be cementing himself as a mainstay in the bigs as Minnesota’s everyday first baseman, a position where the team has no reinforcements arriving. Gallo will be needed in the outfield as long as Buxton isn’t unleashed for defensive action. Kirilloff’s rest-of-season outlook will continue to amplify if he sustains this level of productivity. His effectiveness with the bat also makes it more likely that Kepler’s return would thrust Larnach to the minors instead.
Current top-prospect Lewis’ likely June call-up should not impact Kirilloff’s standing in the majors. All of Minnesota’s ideal lineup possibilities, even against left-handers, should include Kirilloff’s name since they are so thin at first base. The third-year player’s placement in the order may not be as advantageous when they are back at full strength, but Kirilloff warrants attention in virtually all mixed leagues right now considering his prior draft capital and recent strong play. He could be a borderline keeper for the remainder of the year.
More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups
Christian Scott - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 7)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in Most Formats PROSPECT STASH RANKING: #6 CALL-UP ETA: Saturday May 4th, 2024 ANALYSIS: New York Mets starting pitching prospect was recently promoted to the major leagues and is scheduled to make his first career start on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Mets' number-five-ranked prospect has been making headlines at... Read More
Hector Neris - Closers and Saves Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 7)
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 60% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The Chicago Cubs have recently shifted ninth-inning duties to veteran reliever Hector Neris, making him a must-add in all formats. Last season, Neris, who was on the Houston Astros, was one of the best relievers in baseball, posting a dominant 1.71 ERA and 1.05... Read More
Andy Pages - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 7)
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Formats ROSTERED IN: 40% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Andy Pages has settled in quite well in his first taste of the major leagues and is worth rostering in all standard leagues. Pages opened the season with Triple-A and posted a dominant .371/.452/.694 line with five home... Read More
Junior Caminero - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 7)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in All Formats PROSPECT RANKING: #1 CALL-UP ETA: May ANALYSIS: Tampa Bay Rays third base/shortstop prospect Junior Caminero has had an unbelievable start to the season in Triple-A and should be back in the major leagues very soon. The number four prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, has an incredible .328/.391/.724... Read More
Shane Baz - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 6)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in Deeper Leagues CALL-UP ETA: May ANALYSIS: It’s been a long road back for Shane Baz, who's in the final stages of his recovery from Tommy John surgery in 2022. Although Baz is no longer considered a prospect by definition, he has such little major league experience with just 40 1/3 innings (nine... Read More
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!