3 reasons why a healthy Alex Kirilloff is crucial for the Twins
By Jonathan Ash
Twins Don't Have a True First Baseman
The Luis Arraez trade created an additional hole at first base for the Twins defensively. In 2022, the Twins utilized eight different players at the position with Arraez and Jose Miranda carrying the bulk.
While Arraez's defensive statistics at first base were solid, Miranda's were not. In 77 games at first base in 2022, Miranda had -12 runs saved above average pace per 135 games according to Baseball Info Solutions. He also had three errors compared to Arraez's zero.
By comparison, Alex Kirilloff has had a combined +10 runs saved above average pace per 135 games in his games at first base from 2021 to 2022. Drafted as an outfielder, team needs pushed him to first base in 2021 where he showed a natural ability to play the position at a high level.
The Twins do have other first base options. Joey Gallo, Max Kepler, and Kyle Farmer all have experience at the position. However, the Twins need to keep Gallo and Kepler in the outfield to maximize their defensive value while allowing Farmer to fill in other positions on rest days.
A healthy Alex Kirilloff will solve the first base conundrum and allow the Twins to have more defensive flexibility.