RADIO
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.
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