Can the Orioles Former Top Draft Pick Turn His Career Around?
Following the selection of outfielder Heston Kjerstad with the second overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, the Baltimore Orioles anticipated the Texas native would be one of several homegrown rising prospects in the organization’s farm system, alongside Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Jackson Holliday, Coby Mayo, and others. However, now in his third professional season, the 26-year-old has struggled to get his career on track. A highly touted prospect coming out of the University of Arkansas, Kjerstad consistently showcased his power, earning Second-Team All-SEC honors twice and being named a consensus All-American in 2020. Yet three years into his MLB career, Kjerstad has struggled to translate his potential, both at the plate and in the outfield.
One of the biggest hurdles Kjerstad has faced since being drafted by the Orioles has been the team’s crowded outfield, which limited his opportunities early in his career. As a result, he found himself low on the depth chart and appeared in just 52 games over his first two seasons before 2025. However, following the departure of former Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander, who signed a long-term deal with the Toronto Blue Jays this past offseason, the door finally opened for Kjerstad to earn more consistent playing time entering this season. With the increased opportunity came higher expectations, as the Orioles’ front office and coaching staff hoped he would take a leap forward in his MLB career, provided he stayed healthy and performed.
Unfortunately for both sides, the switch has yet to flip for Kjerstad, as his 2025 season has been marked by struggles on both offense and defense. Earlier this month, he was demoted to Triple-A in hopes of translating his minor league success to the majors. In 54 games this season, Kjerstad posted the worst slash line of his career so far: a .192 batting average, .240 on-base percentage, and .327 slugging percentage, along with just four home runs and 19 RBIs. On the bright side, Kjerstad is not the only member of the Orioles’ young core to experience early career struggles. Henderson, Rutschman, Holliday, and others have either faced setbacks at the major league level or been sent back down to the minors to make adjustments before returning. With the Orioles’ 2025 season slipping away, Baltimore sits at 34-46 and in last place in the AL East, just two years after winning the division, Kjerstad is expected to remain in the minors until he can correct the flaws in his swing. Still, there remains hope that the former second overall pick can get back on track and help the franchise return to contention as the season progresses and beyond 2025.
