Heston Kjerstad – Baltimore Orioles Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Heston Kjerstad has quickly become one of the most exciting young players on the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles picked him second overall in the 2020 MLB Draft. Kjerstad’s journey to the majors wasn’t easy. Not long after signing, he developed myocarditis, which delayed his debut and made his eventual arrival even more remarkable.

Kjerstad signed with the Orioles for a $5.2 million bonus in June 2020. He now earns $764,000 per year, with an estimated net worth of $5.2 million. Baltimore’s contract offer showed real faith in his potential, even after his health scare kept him from contributing right away.

Scouts and fans have noticed his left-handed swing and power at the plate. As Kjerstad grows at the major league level, his financial future looks bright—if he can keep hitting and help the Orioles’ young, exciting core. Baltimore baseball feels alive again, and he’s part of that.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Heston Kjerstad’s baseball story started in Amarillo, Texas, where sports were a big part of his childhood. He stood out in both high school and college, thanks to his dedication and natural talent.

Background and Family

Heston Sawyer Kjerstad was born on February 12, 1999, in Amarillo. His family always loved sports, and he fell in love with baseball early on.

His dad, Dave Kjerstad, coached and mentored him during those early years. That support made a difference.

The Kjerstad family valued both athletics and academics. Heston’s two brothers also played college baseball, so things got competitive but stayed supportive.

Growing up in Amarillo, with its strong baseball tradition, gave him plenty of good competition. The local youth leagues toughened him up and gave him a taste of what was ahead.

High School and College Baseball

At Randall High School, Kjerstad really started to shine. He earned All-State honors and became one of the top outfielders in Texas high school baseball.

His left-handed swing and strong arm caught the attention of college scouts everywhere.

He chose the University of Arkansas over Texas Tech. As a freshman, he jumped right into the Razorbacks’ starting lineup in right field.

Over three seasons at Arkansas, he established himself as one of the best power hitters in the country.

Kjerstad finished college with a .343 average, 37 homers, and 129 RBIs in just 150 games. Those numbers turned heads in the SEC, which is no small feat.

Achievements at Arkansas

Kjerstad’s time at Arkansas was full of highlights. In 2018, he won SEC Freshman of the Year and Freshman All-American honors.

He helped the Razorbacks reach the College World Series finals that year. Not bad for a first-year player.

In the 2019 NCAA Tournament, he came up big with clutch hits that pushed Arkansas deep into the postseason. He showed he could handle pressure.

Before the pandemic cut his junior year short in 2020, Kjerstad was hitting .448 with six home runs in just 16 games. That hot start made him a clear top draft candidate.

The Orioles picked him second overall in the 2020 MLB Draft, launching his professional career.

Professional Baseball Journey

Heston Kjerstad’s path to the majors hasn’t been smooth, but he’s faced every challenge head-on. The Orioles drafted him in 2020, and he’s had to fight through setbacks and make comebacks.

MLB Draft and Signing

The Orioles turned some heads by taking Kjerstad second overall in 2020. Most experts saw him as a top-10 guy, but Baltimore made a bold move.

On June 30, 2020, Kjerstad signed for $5.2 million. That was actually below the usual slot value, giving the Orioles room to maneuver with other draft picks.

Shortly after, he got diagnosed with myocarditis. That heart condition kept him off the field for nearly two years.

Minor League Progression

Kjerstad finally made his pro debut on June 10, 2022, with the Class-A Delmarva Shorebirds. The wait was long, but he showed why the Orioles believed in him.

He moved quickly once he got going:

• 2022: Played for Class-A Delmarva and High-A Aberdeen
• 2023: Started at Double-A Bowie, then advanced to Triple-A Norfolk
• September 2023: Made his MLB debut with the Orioles

The Orioles’ development system helped Kjerstad sharpen his swing and improve his defense in the outfield.

Breakout with Double-A

Double-A Bowie turned out to be a game-changer for Kjerstad. He flashed real power and better plate discipline, making it clear he was one of Baltimore’s top hitting prospects.

In Double-A, he put up some eye-catching numbers:

• Batting average: Over .300
• On-base percentage: Better than .370
• Slugging percentage: Above .550

That run got him noticed around the league. Scouts liked that he could hit for both average and power—a rare combo.

By performing so well, Kjerstad sped up his timeline to the majors and made himself a key piece for the Orioles’ rebuild.

Major League Career and Performance

Heston Kjerstad’s arrival in the big leagues is a story of resilience. He overcame health issues and carved out a spot on the Orioles.

MLB Debut and Impact

Kjerstad finally made his MLB debut on September 14, 2023, for the Orioles. Baltimore picked him second overall in 2020, but myocarditis and a hamstring injury delayed his start.

Once he got there, he made an immediate impact. His lefty power bat added depth to the outfield and DH spots.

In his first games, Kjerstad showed off the hitting skills that made him a top pick. He put up strong wRC+ numbers, proving he could help create runs.

Notable Games and Milestones

Kjerstad’s rookie year featured some standout moments. He hit his first MLB home run against a division rival, showing he could handle big-league pitching.

One game really stood out—he drove in three runs against a playoff contender, helping the Orioles win a crucial matchup. He’s earned more trust from the coaches with his knack for delivering when it matters.

By early 2025, Kjerstad had a handful of multi-hit games and kept growing as a steady offensive threat. His defense in the outfield has improved, too, making him more well-rounded alongside players like Cedric Mullins and Austin Hays.

Key Teammates and Comparisons

Kjerstad has built good chemistry with several Orioles, especially Jordan Westburg. Both are young and figuring out the majors together.

Veterans like Austin Hays and Cedric Mullins have helped him with outfield defense. Their advice on positioning and routes has paid off.

Analysts sometimes compare Kjerstad’s swing and power to other lefty sluggers. He’s got the tools, but he’s working to make a name for himself.

He’s playing on a team-friendly contract at $764,000 for 2025. For Baltimore, he’s a bargain as he grows into a core player.

Contract Details and Transactions

Heston Kjerstad’s career has already featured some big financial moments since the Orioles drafted him. His contract situation reflects his status as a top prospect and a young MLB player.

Initial Contract Terms

The Orioles drafted Kjerstad with the second overall pick in 2020. He signed for a $5.2 million bonus, which was less than the $7.78 million slot value for that pick. That move let Baltimore spread money around to other draftees.

After working his way through the minors, Kjerstad joined the 40-man roster when the Orioles called him up from Norfolk in September 2023. He played under the standard pre-arbitration rookie salary that year.

Extensions and Arbitration Status

For 2024, Kjerstad is on a 1-year, $764,000 contract with the Orioles. That’s typical for a young player without much service time.

He hasn’t reached arbitration yet; that usually comes after three years in the majors. Right now, the Orioles control his contract for a while, and there’s no word about a long-term extension yet.

His estimated net worth of $5.2 million mostly comes from his signing bonus. He’s still early in his earning years and isn’t represented by one of the major agencies you see with players on teams like the Red Sox or Phillies.

Net Worth and Off-Field Endeavors

Heston Kjerstad has built up his finances through baseball, and he’s started to branch out in other interests as well. He’s still finding his footing off the field, but he’s on the right track.

Earnings and Endorsements

Kjerstad’s net worth is around $5,200,000. That reflects his rookie status, but the future looks promising.

His current Orioles contract pays him $764,000 for one year. That number should jump as he proves himself in the majors.

He hasn’t landed big national endorsement deals yet, but he’s started working with a few baseball equipment companies. Those partnerships mostly get him custom gear for now, not huge paydays.

Charitable Activities and Public Image

Kjerstad really cares about community involvement, especially when it comes to youth baseball in Texas and Baltimore.

After he battled myocarditis (heart inflammation), he started supporting heart health awareness programs. That personal journey clearly means a lot to him.

He often joins the Orioles’ charity events. Sometimes, you’ll even spot him at local Baltimore schools, chatting with students and encouraging them to stay active and value their education.

Fans have noticed how these efforts shape his reputation—he comes across as a thoughtful, grounded young player.

Kjerstad doesn’t flood social media, but he does post about baseball and, now and then, shares a little about his love for the outdoors.

People see him as someone with a strong work ethic and real determination. Those traits really struck a chord with fans, especially after he waited so long for his MLB debut because of his health.