Twins announce signing of first-round pick Kirilloff

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins officially announced the signing of outfielder Alex Kirilloff, the No. 15 overall selection in the 2016 MLB Draft out of Plum (Pa.) High School, on Thursday afternoon at Target Field.
"It's a great honor to finally make it official and be a part of this great organization, and I'm truly blessed and humbled by the opportunity," Kirilloff said. "I've had a great first impression of the city and the stadium and with everyone that has worked here so far."
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MLBPipeline.com's Jim Callis reported last week the Twins signed Kirilloff to a $2,817,100 bonus, which is the slot value for the No. 15 overall pick.
Kirilloff, who was ranked MLB.com's No. 18 prospect in this year's Draft, will fly out on Friday to begin his career with the Elizabethton Twins, the organization's Rookie-level affiliate in the Appalachian League.
The Twins normally start high-school signings in the Gulf Coast League, but the organization is confident enough in Kirilloff's hitting ability to immediately start him at the advanced level. He played center field in high school, but the Twins project him as a corner outfielder, which is where he will play in Elizabethton.
"That's a pretty good testament to his ability and where he is as a player," Twins general manager Terry Ryan said. "We really like his bat. He's got some pop in his bat. He's a professional-type hitter who takes solid at-bats. He can run, so he's a complete player. That's why he was picked 15th in the country."

Kirilloff is the 27th member of Minnesota's Draft class to officially sign with the organization.
Kirilloff, 18, hit .540 for Plum High School in 21 games with three home runs and 24 RBIs during his senior season. He also went 6-0 on the mound with a 0.74 ERA and two saves. He flashed his plus power when he won the 2015 Perfect Game All-American Classic Home Run Challenge by hitting 34 home runs at the competition in San Diego.
As an outfielder, Kirilloff said he has frequently drawn comparisons to Grady Sizemore and has also closely followed Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen, having grown up just outside of PIttsburgh.
For now, Kirilloff is eager to begin his professional career, especially after making his first visit to Minneapolis and Target Field as an official member of the Twins organization.
"It's something I've been working for my whole life, so the sooner the better," Kirilloff said. "It sinks in a bit more. It's a great feeling. It's been a great feeling ever since I got drafted June 9. Very, very excited and blessed."