Orioles Release Heston Kjerstad
The former No. 2 overall pick clears outright waivers and becomes a free agent after a difficult stretch in the majors.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Baseball
The Baltimore Orioles released outfielder Heston Kjerstad after he cleared outright waivers, making him a free agent. The Orioles had previously designated Kjerstad for assignment.
Why it matters
Kjerstad was the Orioles' second overall pick in the 2020 draft, so his release closes a notable chapter for the franchise. His major league results since 2023 have not matched his prospect pedigree.
Since debuting in 2023, Kjerstad has batted .217/.280/.359 with 10 home runs, a 29.1% strikeout rate and a 5.4% walk rate across 333 plate appearances. At Triple-A Norfolk in 2026 he hit .289/.337/.462 with 11 home runs, but what carries over to the majors remains unclear.
The players
Baltimore Orioles
The Major League Baseball franchise based in Baltimore that selected Kjerstad second overall in 2020 and has now released him.
Heston Kjerstad
An outfielder taken second overall by the Orioles in the 2020 draft, who has struggled to establish himself in the majors since his 2023 debut.
The details
The Orioles designated Kjerstad for assignment before he cleared outright waivers. He had been optioned to Triple-A Norfolk after returning from the injured list in late May 2026, following a hamstring strain suffered in March.
Timeline
2020: Orioles select Kjerstad second overall in the draft.
2023: Kjerstad makes his major league debut.
Final two months of 2025: Kjerstad misses time due to a medical condition.
March 2026: Kjerstad suffers a hamstring strain.
Late May 2026: Kjerstad returns from the injured list and is optioned to Norfolk.
Roadmap
Kjerstad's release places him among the 2020 draft picks whose early careers have not matched their draft slots. For the Orioles, it marks a reset after a high-profile selection failed to produce consistent major league value.
Kjerstad is now a free agent, so any team could add him to a 40-man roster. Fantasy managers should note that his recent strikeout and walk rates point to limited value unless his Triple-A power translates to the majors.
The takeaway
Prospect pedigree does not guarantee major league results, and Kjerstad's case shows how quickly a high draft pick can fall out of a team's plans. Readers tracking the Orioles should watch whether Kjerstad lands with another club.
Further reading
For more on the franchise's recent roster moves, see Baltimore Baseball.
