Baltimore Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad had an update on his injury from last summer.
The Baltimore Orioles received encouraging news this week as one of their young outfielders continues to make progress in camp. Spring training often serves as a reset, especially for players who battled health concerns the previous season, and the latest update on Heston Kjerstad offers optimism for both the organization and its fan base.
After dealing with a health issue last summer that limited his availability and disrupted his rhythm at the plate, the former second overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft entered camp determined to put that stretch behind him.
Baltimore has leaned heavily on internal development to remain competitive in the American League, and a fully healthy version of Kjerstad would be a meaningful boost to the lineup.
That optimism grew stronger thanks to a recent report on Sunday. “Heston Kjerstad didn’t want to talk yet about health issue last summer but he said he’s 100 percent now. Hit another home run today #orioles,” reported Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. The update not only confirmed his improved health but also highlighted the type of impact swing the Orioles hope to see more consistently.
Kjerstad’s 2025 season showed flashes of the power potential that made him a top draft selection, but the overall results reflected a player who never found his footing. The 27‑year‑old appeared in 54 games and posted a .192 batting average, .240 on‑base percentage, .566 OPS, 4 home runs and 19 RBIs. It was a steep drop‑off from his first two seasons and one of the more disappointing individual campaigns on an otherwise competitive Orioles roster.
The significance of this update goes beyond one spring training home run. Kjerstad profiles as a middle‑of‑the‑order bat capable of changing a game with one swing. When healthy, he brings left‑handed power that lengthens the lineup and gives Baltimore another threat to pair with its established core. If he can carry this early momentum into the regular season, it could stabilize a corner outfield spot and reduce pressure on other young hitters.
Health has been the primary question surrounding Kjerstad since he entered professional baseball, so any confirmation that he feels fully recovered matters for both the short and long‑term outlook.
Spring training numbers rarely predict what comes next, but confidence and availability do. For the Orioles, hearing that Kjerstad feels 100% and watching him drive the ball with authority are meaningful signs as they prepare for another postseason push.