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The 2025 Baltimore Orioles' season just ended, and it was a season where crippling injuries set the stage for one of the most disappointing outcomes in all of Major League Baseball. As the Orioles turn the page to the offseason and begin constructing their 2026 plans, Mike Elias confirmed that the team is already dealing with an injury scare.
Speaking with reporters on Monday, Elias revealed that former first-round pick Heston Kjerstad is working with doctors as he deals with a "medical condition," but the expectation remains that the once-hyped prospect will be ready for spring training. That was the only information Elias provided on Kjerstad's status, as the Orioles' president of baseball operations didn't want to go into specifics.
Mike Elias confirms Orioles already facing Heston Kjerstad injury scare
At the very least, it does provide an answer to Kjerstad's absence with Triple-A Norfolk. After being optioned to the minors in June, Kjerstad landed on the 7-day IL with Triple-A Norfolk on August 6 with what the team referred to as "fatigue". The last game Kjerstad appeared in before his trip to the IL was on July 25.
Showing some promise with 4 home runs in 39 games with the Orioles in 2024, the hope was that Kjerstad having a full-time role on the Major League roster would lead to a breakout campaign. Instead, Kjerstad's regression in 2025 added to the theme of the team's floundering season. In 167 plate appearances at the Major League level to start the season, Kjerstad slashed .192/.240/.327 with a wRC+ of 57.
Shortly after being drafted by the Orioles in 2020, Kjerstad was diagnosed with myocarditis. The heart condition resulted in the start of Kjerstad's professional career being delayed by two years. Speculation has suggested that this is what is at the center of this latest scare for the 26-year-old, but the team has refused to make the connection.
The impression is that the Orioles will likely remain mum on Kjerstad's status until spring training. 2026 was already looking to be an important year for the outfielder, as many have already labeled him a first-round bust. The hope is that he is able to return to the field without any further delay, and from there, can revive the excitement that once surrounded his spot on the Orioles' roster.