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When Baltimore Orioles' No. 4 prospect, Heston Kjerstad, was called up in late April, fantasy managers rushed to the waiver wire to pick him up. That's because Kjerstad was not only one of the hottest hitters at Triple-A to start the season, but he also put up solid numbers in his first two minor league seasons in 2022 and 2023.
In 2022, Kjerstad hit .309 at the plate across Single-A and Double-A. He then followed that campaign up by hitting .303 with 21 home runs and 55 RBI in 2023.
But those numbers haven't translated to the majors for Kjerstad. So, should fantasy managers still stash the young outfielder in redraft formats? Let's dive in and find out.
Heston Kjerstad 2024 Season
Kjerstad's strong start to the season at Triple-A Norfolk earned him a quick promotion to the majors on April 23. However, he didn't see much playing time when he was up with the Orioles. From April 23 to May 13, the 25-year-old started just four games. In seven total appearances, he had just two hits across 17 plate appearances with six strikeouts. With the limited playing time, the Orioles decided to send him down in May to get more consistent playing time.
KJERSTAD BOMB!!! Tides up 2-0 early tonight#DefendtheHarbor pic.twitter.com/8XZUetn5xt
— Norfolk Tides (@NorfolkTides) June 22, 2024
Since being optioned, Kjerstad has picked up where he left off in the minors. He went 2-for-4 with one home run and four RBI on Saturday and has totaled a hit in five of the past seven contests. MLB Pipeline's No. 21 overall prospect is currently hitting .300 with 16 HRs and 58 RBI at Triple-A this season.
Should I Stash Heston Kjerstad In Redraft Leagues?
Given how Baltimore managed Kjerstad's playing time in 2024, it would be a surprise for that to change if he is called up again. He barely saw any playing time, and the team went with most of their veteran outfielders instead. So, the 25-year-old should not be stashed in most fantasy leagues right now.
GONE! @hestonkjerstad blasts his 15th home run of the season to put the Tides up, 6-2!#DefendTheHarbor pic.twitter.com/OoyJwH4KcW
— Norfolk Tides (@NorfolkTides) June 16, 2024
With Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins, and Anthony Santander locked into an everyday role in the outfield, there just isn't anywhere for Kjerstad to play -- unless an injury occurs. Austin Hays would then be next in line to see playing time. That's why fantasy managers shouldn't be stashing him right now.
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