Baltimore will need to evaluate every path forward for Heston Kjerstad.
The Baltimore Orioles have completely reloaded entering the 2026 MLB season, aiming to return to the postseason after a brief setback last year. With several new additions to the roster, including multiple outfielders highlighted by trade acquisition Taylor Ward, the competition for playing time has intensified. That reality places pressure on younger talent such as outfielder Heston Kjerstad, whose path to consistent at-bats now appears more complicated.
Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias has stated he does not intend to trade talent already on the big-league roster, which includes Kjerstad. In the deal for right-hander Shane Baz earlier this offseason, every prospect moved was below the MLB level. Kjerstad, however, represents a different case.
With a crowded outfield and first base no longer an option following the club’s five-year, $155 million signing of Pete Alonso, the Orioles face a big decision: whether to keep Kjerstad and hope for renewed development, or explore his trade value.
Kjerstad’s 2025 season underscored the dilemma. In his third year, he struggled to a .192 batting average, a .240 on-base percentage, a .566 OPS, four home runs and 19 RBIs across 54 appearances. Now 26 years old, the second overall pick from the 2020 MLB Draft has seen his development stall.
For Baltimore, patience could still pay off. Kjerstad’s raw power remains evident, and with adjustments at the plate, he could rediscover the swing that made him one of the organization’s top prospects. Holding onto him would preserve depth and allow the Orioles to benefit if he rebounds, especially given the unpredictability of injuries over a long season.
On the other hand, a trade could be equally appealing. Despite his struggles, Kjerstad’s pedigree and flashes of power may still intrigue other clubs, particularly rebuilding teams willing to take on a project with upside. Moving him could free roster space, reduce the logjam in the outfield and bring back pitching or bullpen help, areas where Baltimore could always use reinforcement. Trading Kjerstad now might allow the Orioles to capitalize on his remaining prospect reputation before his value dips further.
Ultimately, the Orioles must weigh whether Kjerstad is best suited as a depth piece with potential to rebound, or as a trade chip to strengthen other parts of the roster. Either path reflects the organization’s broader challenge: balancing immediate contention with long-term development. The decision on Kjerstad will be one of the more telling moves in shaping Baltimore’s 2026 identity.