Heston Kjerstad still has a big bat and a small glove. Will his offense keep him in Baltimore for the duration of 2024?
The “J” may be silent, but the Norfolk shuttle makes plenty of sound.
Baltimore’s youngsters have maintained their competitive spirit and team-first energy, but a surplus of talent has prevented all of the baby birds from nesting at the major-league level.
Heston Kjerstad has a few Baltimore stints under his belt, but he has yet to fully establish himself as a full-time major leaguer. Now, after the latest batch of strong performances at the plate, it’s fair to wonder if Kjerstad has heard the Norfolk shuttle approaching for the final time.
Almost every reader knows Kjerstad’s background by now. After a two-year absence from professional baseball, the 6-foot-3 corner outfielder dominated the low minors in 2022. Kjerstad did nothing but hit after receiving a clean bill of health, and he made it all the way to the ALDS after beginning 2023 at Double-A Bowie.
Kjerstad entered spring training with a legitimate shot to make the team, but Colton Cowser earned his spot with a 1.135 OPS over 18 games. Cowser emerged as a Rookie of the Year contender with a red-hot April, and his place on the roster remains intact despite an extended slump. Cowser hit just .185 over 157 at bats between May and June, but his ability to play center field made him an integral member when the club moved on from Ryan McKenna.
The Orioles clearly value defensive versatility, but Kjerstad never had that in the cards. The club never asked him to play center field, but his defense still came under significant scrutiny over the past year.
Kjerstad made eight appearances at first base for the Tides this season after playing the position 38 times in 2023, but the Orioles have yet to slot Kjerstad at first in the bigs. Baltimore holds not one, but two All-Star finalists at the position in Ryan Mountcastle and Ryan O’Hearn. Fellow All-Star finalist Anthony Santander and former Gold Glover Ramón Urías can both handle first in a pinch, and the Orioles have a pair of catchers with at least some level on familiarity at the position.
The Orioles do not need Kjerstad to play first base, but they may need his bat in the lineup down the stretch. Kjerstad put his power on full display Saturday with a grand slam against the Rangers, but he’s been more than a one-trick pony this time around.
Kjerstad went 2-for-4 in his first start since May 11. He finished 2-for-3 with a homer and a walk on June 28 before adding a pair of walks to the salami on June 29. The rookie forced Brandon Hyde to pencil him into the lineup on Sunday, and Kjerstad finished 2-for-4 with another extra-base hit.
Those are the types of games that will keep Kjerstad at the major league level. The Orioles still have room on the roster with Cowser and Cedric Mullins covering center field. Santander isn’t going anywhere, and Austin Hays will continue to rotate in, but Baltimore has found a place for Kjerstad or Kyle Stowers.
Stowers does not share the same pedigree as Kjerstad, but the Orioles have treated the pair similar this season. Stowers holds the edge defensively, but Hyde never penciled Stowers into center field either.
Stowers recently broke the Norfolk record for career home runs at 53, but it’s difficult to see both players in Baltimore at the same time. Either player could be included in a trade by the end of the month, but it’s impossible to predict what Mike Elias will do at the deadline. The Orioles could easily keep both players in the organization if they plan on moving on from free-agent-to-be Santander or an arbitration eligible Hays.
Hays exploded last month with a .375 average and 1.132 OPS in June. The 2023 All-Star has always been streaky, and Baltimore will ride the hot hand once again when matchups dictate an appearance for the 28-year-old.
There’s always the DH slot, but Adley Rutschman will require designated hitter appearances for the length of his career. O’Hearn is an absolute must start against righties, and Mountcastle’s numbers make for the perfect platoon. It’s difficult to picture Kjerstad playing league average defense at the position, but it’s even tougher to find time at first for the youngster right now.
The outfield has been crowded all season, but the lack of opportunity at first really shrinks the odds. Barring an injury, Kjerstad must prove he’s a better fit than Stowers for the duration if he hopes to dodge the Norfolk shuttle.