2020 1st round pick (2): Heston Kjerstad - OF - (Junior) (Arkansas)

[Barnaby Graves]

Just cancel next season too.

[WarehouseChatter]

Wow is right.  Yes, it’s an underslotting pick, but I have to say that I’m disappointed as I feel Martin was much more of a can’t miss guy.  I hope I’m proven wrong.

[interloper]

Elias and team deserve waaay more benefit of the doubt than saying he's "saving money" at this stage. We have some of the game's best evaluators and analytics. Let's just see! Interesting.

[Justinlstn]

I wasn't completely sold on Martin but.. I never heard anyone mention this kid for us. That last name just flows off the tongue..

[Orioles1954]

As the only Orioles and Razorbacks fan on the planet I am thrilled with this pick. I've watched numerous games with Kjerstad since he came our way from Amarillo, Texas. Beautiful fluid swing, not a lot of holes, plays in an elite conference. Built perfectly for OPACY. Decent fielder. Also works with an outstanding staff in Fayetteville. Woooo Pig!

Edited June 10, 2020 by Orioles1954

[ISU94]

Just now, interloper said:

Elias and team deserve waaay more benefit of the doubt than saying he's "saving money" at this stage. We have some of the game's best evaluators and analytics. Let's just see! Interesting.

Definitely was here for Martin but this is where I sit now.

This guy has a fantastic bat from the left side. This also allows for a lot of options llthe rest of the draft.

[canonfaz]

Next pick becomes really interesting.

[eddie83]

Is Boras asking for the whole draft allotment for Martin?

[ThomasTomasz]

A theory going around on another board I'm on, from someone who is a knowledgable poster when it comes to MLB prospects, indicates that there could be a lot of attention paid to Team USA summer team players, like Kjerstad and Meyer.  Teams might be weighing summer competition more this year because of the season being truncated.  

[ThomasTomasz]

Four team USA players in a row. 

[jabba72]

OPS'd 1.300 in 78 PA's (7 W 9 K's) this year before the season stopped, so there's that. They must have really liked what they saw in those 78 PA's.

[interloper]

One thing is for sure Keith Law has some ammo for his next round of Orioles blasting.

Personally I think it's a good pick. There's no mandate for Elias to pinch pennies on the draft so he's got a plan for sure.

[Greg Pappas]

Kjerstad (pronounced Kur-stad) is a good player... maybe .280 with 30 HR power, and about an .820 OPS or better.  HOWEVER, he is yet another merely decent fielding corner outfielder who is a plodder with 40-tool speed. I care who we get at 30 and 39 with the savings, but I think years from now we will lament not taking Austin Martin at #2. Frankly I was yelling at the screen in anger. Anyway, welcome to Baltimore, Heston... hope you are great for us.

 

EDIT. MLB has his speed tool at 45, and arm as 55. Not really a "plodder", but below average speed out of the box, and average speed underway. As well, some have him as a 55 arm, not 50.  So he may be fine with arm strength. 

[Orioles1954]

Just now, ThomasTomasz said:

Four team USA players in a row. 

Kjerstad hit 6 homers this year and cut down on his Ks before COVID. Our last two #1s played each other in the 2018 CWS.

[24fps]

7 minutes ago, canonfaz said:

Next pick becomes really interesting.

My reaction as well.  I've never been a big fan of surprises with high first-round picks.  

Waiting for the backstory...