The Baltimore Orioles are awaiting the return of Heston Kjerstad.
The Baltimore Orioles have been hit hard by injuries across the roster, and the team’s depth has been tested early. Unfortunately, it has not held up, and Baltimore has not met expectations after a busy offseason, sitting at 17-22 nearly a quarter into the regular season.
The club is waiting for reinforcements that can hopefully help turn the season around. Earlier this week, infielder Jackson Holliday officially began his rehab assignment. Now another young player looking to break through at the major-league level is joining him.
The update arrived on Saturday. “We are not done with the announcements this week... Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad is set to join Chesapeake and begin an MLB Rehab Assignment this weekend!” wrote the Chesapeake Baysox, Baltimore’s Double-A affiliate, on X.
Kjerstad was having an excellent spring training before going down with a Grade 1 right hamstring strain that forced him to begin the season on the 10-day injured list. He suffered the injury during an exhibition match against the San Diego Padres and was forced to leave the game early. Now he is nearing a return and should have a spot on the roster along with a chance for meaningful playing time once he is activated.
This could be Kjerstad’s final real opportunity to prove he belongs. He was the second overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft and is now 27 years old with time running out. This is his fourth season with the Orioles, and he has struggled both to stay healthy and to produce when available.
Over 106 career games, he has been a net-negative player, totaling -1.1 WAR along with a .218 batting average, .284 on base percentage, .649 OPS and just 10 total home runs, which is not ideal for a player whose best trait is supposed to be his elite power stroke.
A large part of that stems from his disastrous 2025 season, when he posted a .192/.240/.327 slash line across 54 games. The Orioles still believe in his talent, but the window for him to secure a long-term role is shrinking.
Baltimore needs offensive help, and Kjerstad’s return could provide a boost if he finally settles in at the plate. If Kjerstad can stay healthy and produce, this could finally be the year that changes the trajectory of his career. It could also be huge for an Orioles team that is looking to return to the MLB playoffs.