Former Baltimore Orioles Top Prospect Is Turning a Corner

Around half a decade ago, the Baltimore Orioles made a move that many fans were confused about. Baltimore had a 54-108 record in 2019, giving them the 2nd overall pick for the 2020 MLB Draft where they decided to take University of Arkansas outfielder Heston Kjerstad. Coming into the 2020 MLB Draft, Kjerstad was the 10th ranked prospect on MLB's big board. However, Baltimore saw a ton of hitting upside with sneaky good power. However, this draft class was one of the weaker groups in recent memory, so it was extremely confusing to fans as to why Baltimore went under slot by taking Kjerstad.

Kjerstad would make his MLB debut on September 14, 2023, against the Tampa Bay Rays where he would go 0-for-1 as a pinch hitter. However, the following day (September 15, 2023) would be an unforgettable one, as Kjerstad recorded not only his first big league hit, but his first big league home-run. 

Kjerstad would finish 2023 with a .748 OPS over 30 at-bats -- a strong first taste at the big league level. 

Kjerstad would get another opportunity at the big leagues in 2024, and had an even better start to the season posting a .253/.351/.394 slash-line with four home-runs and 14 RBI's in 39 appearances. 

Unfortunately for Kjerstad, the injury bug would strike as he was significantly impacted by a concussion he sustained against the New York Yankees when he was hit with a 97 mph fastball. This freak accident resulted in Kjerstad having multiple stints on the injured list throughout the remainder of the 2024 season, and ultimately affecting his play. 

2025 seemed like a make or break year for Kjerstad, as the former top prospect and draft pick has yet to turn the corner for Baltimore. Unfortunately for Kjerstad, 2025 would be his worst season yet. 

Kjerstad would start the 2025 season with the big league club, but was sent back down to Triple-A in June after posting a .192/.240/.327 slash-line. In July, Kjerstad had an undisclosed injury that kept him out for an extended period of time, with the organization classifying it as fatigue. Following this, reports came out that Kjerstad was dealing with a lingering concussion that he sustained the season prior. 

Kjerstad's 2024 and 2025 seasons were filled with injuries, but the former top draft pick is looking better than ever in 2026. 

Kjerstad has had nine plate appearances  so far during spring training, and has looked like a revamped hitter as he's hit a home-run and has a slash-line of .250/.333/.625 which is good for a .958 OPS. Although this is an extremely small sample size, this strong start is by no means a coincidence. Kjerstad has seemed to eliminate a leg kick that he had in seasons prior which has slowed down his swing speed, and this minor tweak is paying dividends. 

I believe Kjerstad will have every opportunity to compete for an opening day roster spot, but this position battle will be more competitive than in years prior as Baltimore now has Taylor Ward, Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser, Tyler O'Neill and Leody Tavares. 

Throughout his professional playing career, Kjerstad has demonstrated his ability to get on base, something that all professional teams love to see. The next step for Kjerstad is to yes, stay healthy, but to also regain some of that power that he had in college.