Should I Stash Heston Kjerstad In Redraft Leagues? Fantasy Baseball Prospect Outlook (Week 13)

Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect Heston Kjerstad received two short stints in the major leagues over the past two seasons and held a cumulative .205/.286/.364 slash line with two home runs across 20 games. 

Unfortunately, he was unable to find consistent playing time during these stretches, which ultimately resulted in him being sent back down to Triple-A.

However, the Arkansas product has been performing exceptionally well this season at Triple-A and should get another opportunity in the majors fairly soon.

How High is Heston Kjerstad's Fantasy Baseball Potential?

Through 52 games at Triple-A Norfolk this season, the 25-year-old has posted an incredible .307/.389/.609 slash line with 15 home runs, 54 RBI, and two swiped bags. However, he does hold a poor 28:65 BB:K ratio.

Last summer, in 76 games at Triple-A, Kjerstad posted a .298/.371/.498 slash line with 10 long balls, 32 RBI, and a similar 27:69 BB:K ratio.

Heston Kjerstad is the first Triple-A batter to reach 40 RBI in less than 30 games since at least 2005. pic.twitter.com/XZmbmx6bp8

— Tides Notes (@TidesNotes) May 22, 2024

Kjerstad made headlines earlier this April when he hit a home run in four consecutive games and had an overall .770 SLG throughout the month.

When Might Heston Kjerstad Get a Major League Opportunity?

While his power potential is elite, his opportunities in Baltimore are very limited. Currently, the Baltimore outfield consists of Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins, and Anthony Santander. Even though Mullins has struggled at times this season, Kjerstad has never made one start in center field in the minors and is not an option to take over that position. Both Cowser and Santander have performed well and are not in danger of losing any serious playing time.

At designated hitter, Baltimore currently uses a revolving door with Ryan Mountcastle, Ryan O'Hearn, and even backstop Adley Rutschman. Once again, Kjerstad falls fourth in line behind these established major leaguers.

However, if an injury were to occur, Kjerstad would be one of the first names called upon. Unfortunately, Baltimore would rather have its young prospect be given as much playing time as possible and not just sit on the major league bench. His bat is clearly ready for the majors, but fantasy managers will have to wait a little longer with Kjerstad as he is in one of the deepest rosters in the major leagues.

Down on the farm, Heston Kjerstad ends the game with a walk-off grand slam 💣 #Birdland pic.twitter.com/513Vsr3C27

— Rocco DiSangro (@RoccoDiSangro) May 19, 2024

For now, he is still a must-roster option in keeper and dynasty leagues and worth stashing in deeper redraft leagues.

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