The Baltimore Orioles have spent the past several years transforming from one of baseball’s worst teams into one of the most promising young rosters in Major League Baseball. Thanks to a series of high draft picks between 2017 and 2022, the franchise has built an impressive core of young talent.

Among those selections were Adley Rutschman (No. 1 overall in 2019), Jackson Holliday (No. 1 overall in 2022), and Heston Kjerstad (No. 2 overall in 2020). The organization also struck gold in later rounds, most notably with Gunnar Henderson, who was drafted in the second round in 2019 and has since developed into one of the most dynamic infielders in the league.

While several of these prospects have already become foundational players in Baltimore’s lineup, Kjerstad’s career path has been far less certain.

Orioles’ Draft Success Story—With One Question Mark

Baltimore’s rebuilding strategy relied heavily on identifying and developing elite prospects. The results have been largely positive. Henderson has quickly established himself as a star, showcasing elite power and defensive versatility. Rutschman, though experiencing some offensive regression recently, was widely considered one of baseball’s top catchers during his early seasons.

Meanwhile, Holliday remains one of the most exciting young talents in the sport. At just 22 years old, many analysts believe his breakout season is only a matter of time.

But Kjerstad’s trajectory has been different.

Despite entering professional baseball with high expectations as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, he has yet to consistently produce at the major league level.

Kjerstad’s Struggles in the Majors

Over parts of three seasons with the Orioles, Kjerstad has appeared in 106 games, posting a .649 OPS during that span. His overall slash line—.218/.284/.365—translates to an 84 OPS+, which is below the league average.

Those numbers have made it difficult for him to secure a permanent role in Baltimore’s lineup.

With the Orioles’ roster filled with emerging young hitters and established starters, Kjerstad currently faces an uncertain future within the organization.

A “Change of Scenery” Could Be the Answer

According to Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report, Kjerstad may be one of the league’s top candidates for a “change of scenery.”

Reuter argued that the outfielder’s limited production and the Orioles’ crowded roster could make it difficult for him to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster moving forward.

“In parts of three seasons in the big leagues, he has hit .218/.284/.365 for an 84 OPS+ in 314 plate appearances, and there does not appear to be a clear path for him to win a spot on Baltimore’s Opening Day roster,” Reuter wrote.

That assessment highlights a difficult reality: even talented players can struggle to find opportunities on teams loaded with young stars.

Why Baltimore Might Hesitate to Trade Him

Despite the speculation, trading Kjerstad may not be an easy decision for the Orioles.

Because his major league numbers have been underwhelming so far, his trade value is currently lower than what Baltimore might hope for from a former top-two draft pick.

Selling low on a player with his raw power and potential could backfire if he eventually develops into the hitter scouts once projected.

There’s also the possibility that Kjerstad simply needs more time. Baseball history is filled with players who struggled early in their careers before eventually breaking out.

The Late-Bloomer Possibility

Kjerstad has already shown flashes of the power that made him such a coveted prospect. Moments like his towering home runs and strong minor league performances suggest the talent is still there.

If the Orioles believe a breakout season could be coming, they might prefer to keep him within the organization and give him additional opportunities under the current coaching staff.

With the right adjustments and consistent playing time, Kjerstad could still develop into a valuable offensive contributor.

A Critical Season Ahead

The 2026 season may ultimately determine Kjerstad’s long-term future in Baltimore.

If he can seize opportunities and translate his raw power into consistent production, he could still carve out a meaningful role on a competitive Orioles roster.

However, if the struggles continue and playing time remains limited, the organization may eventually decide that a trade—or a fresh start elsewhere—would benefit both sides.

For now, the story of Heston Kjerstad with the Baltimore Orioles remains unfinished. Whether he becomes a late-blooming success story or a player who finds his breakthrough with another franchise could be one of the more intriguing player developments to watch in the coming seasons. ⚾