Up till now I’ve been saying this man or that man may be the highest prospect for 2024 fantasy baseball. Welp, don’t suppose that’s the case right here. Oh, I may very well be unsuitable. That’s occurred earlier than to me (as soon as). When he was referred to as up, I mentioned, “Was far more enthusiastic about Kjerstad earlier than this name up. Once I thought he was the capital of Aruba? No, not that far again. Again once I thought the O’s may play him and he had time to truly play. Unsure why the O’s took so lengthy to name him up, nevertheless it’s deflated my enthusiasm. He appears to be like like he might have some energy, and may hit .250 with little velocity.” And that’s me quoting me! That doesn’t even sound like a profile that’s value going over in a full put up, huh? Properly, the factor is, it was the 2nd week in September, and a man like, say, Matt Olson isn’t that fascinating if he have been simply referred to as up. I don’t simply randomly convey up Matt Olson, wait till you see Kjerstad’s energy. It’ll be attractive within the clip after the: So, what can we count on from Heston Kjerstad for 2024 fantasy baseball?
Right here’s Heston Kjerstad is his first main league at-bat:
HESTON KJERSTAD’S FIRST MLB HIT IS A HOMER! pic.twitter.com/2MsSCw5WG8
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) September 16, 2023
He was drafted 2nd general by the Orioles in 2020, which could’ve been an overreach, however I feel it hints to what the Orioles consider him. Or, a minimum of, considered him again then. He did take a couple of years to get the place he was an choice to be referred to as up, as a result of he was battling well being points for a yr, and missed 2021. Now that he’s again and hitting for energy once more, we’re again to being . Have some actual considerations about his propensity to strike out, a minimum of upon arrival at a brand new stage. He had a 30.3% strikeout price within the majors final yr. Positive, in solely 13 video games, and 30 ABs, however I wouldn’t have talked about it if it didn’t appear attribute of potential future points.
Is there an opportunity Heston Kjerstad has a beginning job? That’s actually the one cause to be excited for him in redraft leagues. Whereas the Ryan O’Hearn factor performed out about in addition to the O’s might’ve wished it to final yr, he doesn’t appear to be any fairly minded particular person’s reply to start out at 1st base once more. Although, the Orioles aren’t all the time fairly minded. Take: No matter was occurring with Aaron Hicks hitting fifth final yr. The O’s ought to have room for Heston Kjerstad. Determine Mountcastle and him platoon, at worst. Oops, that sounds dangerous. I’d commerce Mountcastle, however I don’t know if the O’s will.
There are guys littered alongside the KBO freeway for prospects drafted within the high 5 within the MLB draft who by no means pan out. Not saying that will likely be Kjerstad, however 30+ homer energy with a .220 common turns into 50-homer energy in Korea whereas hitting .250 actual quick. So, 30+ homer energy, possible gained’t hit vs. lefties and may strike out vs. righties. Hmm, starting to see what September Gray noticed in him, and why I don’t suppose he’ll be the highest rookie in 2024. He looks as if an AL-Solely draft decide for now, who wants to point out he can hit and play day by day. For 2024 fantasy, I’ll give Heston Kjerstad projections of 43/14/54/.228/1 in 377 ABs.
