Track Record: Kjerstad was considered the best left-handed power bat in the shortened 2020 draft when the Orioles took him second overall and signed him to a below-slot $5.2 million bonus. Shortly after signing, however, he was diagnosed with myocarditis (heart inflammation) and missed all of 2021. A spring training hamstring injury delayed his pro debut until June, and he dominated Low-A Delmarva before finishing at High-A Aberdeen. 

Scouting Report: His layoff obviously impacted his development. Kjerstad makes a lot of quality contact with a unique swing that features an aggressive leg-lift, but issues with his approach have led to elevated strikeout numbers due to chase. The Orioles believe consistent game action can help him improve that, with exposure to high-level pitching a priority in Kjerstad's development. The club also believes Kjerstad will continue to regain the strength he lost from his time away to recapture his power stroke as time goes on. Kjerstad will be limited to a corner outfield spot due to his range, but has at least an above-average arm that will play in right field. Considering power was meant to be his carrying tool, maximizing that through swing decisions and physical development will determine his major league future. 

The Future: The Orioles view his return to action in 2022 a success on its own, and acknowledge the challenge Kjerstad's time away from the game has presented. His ceiling remains that of a bat-first slugging outfielder on a winning team, but Kjerstad's pending introduction to the high minors in 2023 will show how realistic reaching that will be. 

- Baseball America