RADIO
Is Heston Kjerstad a fantasy baseball waiver-wire stash? Andy discusses the fantasy baseball outlook for redraft leagues for the rest of the 2024 season.
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.
More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups
Craig Yoho - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups and Prospect Stashes (Week 4)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 3% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The Milwaukee Brewers called up their No. 18-ranked prospect, Craig Yoho, ahead of their series opener against the San Francisco Giants on Monday. Yoho has quickly risen up the minor league ranks since being drafted in the eighth round of the 2023 MLB Draft. […]
Nick Kurtz - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups and Prospect Stashes (Week 4)
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 31% of Leagues ANALYSIS: After weeks of wondering when the Athletics would call up their top prospect, they are finally expected to promote first baseman Nick Kurtz to their major league roster on Monday evening. Kurtz was drafted fourth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft and is currently MLB […]
Logan Henderson - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups and Prospect Stashes (Week 4)
BALLER MOVE: Monitor in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 3% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The Milwaukee Brewers called up their No. 12 prospect, Logan Henderson, earlier this week to give the team another fresh arm. The Brewers are dealing with injuries to Nestor Cortes (elbow), Aaron Civale (hamstring), Brandon Woodruff (shoulder), and Tobias Myers (oblique) early in the […]
Edgar Quero - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups and Prospect Stashes (Week 4)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 15+ Team / Two-Catcher Leagues ROSTERED IN: 1% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The Chicago White Sox called up their No. 6 prospect, Edgar Quero, on Thursday afternoon to make his MLB debut. Quero was acquired by the White Sox at the 2023 trade deadline in the deal that sent both Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo […]
Caleb Durbin - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups and Prospect Stashes (Week 4)
BALLER MOVE: Consider in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 6% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The Milwaukee Brewers have promoted infielder Caleb Durbin, who MLB Pipeline ranked as their No. 21 prospect coming into the season. Durbin will make his MLB debut on Friday night, batting ninth against J.T. Ginn and the Athletics. Before the game, manager Pat […]
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
