As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Minnesota Twins are actively seeking a left-handed hitter to strengthen their lineup. Their search could lead them to Heston Kjerstad, a 26-year-old outfielder and former No. 2 overall draft pick who has struggled in the majors but might be an ideal low-risk acquisition for the Twins to tap into his untapped potential.

Background on Heston Kjerstad’s Early Career and Draft Context

Kjerstad was once seen as a foundational bat for the Baltimore Orioles’ future. Selected second overall in the shortened 2020 MLB draft, Baltimore surprised many by choosing him earlier than projected. The team signed him for less than slot value, freeing resources to invest in other promising prospects like Jordan Westburg and Coby Mayo, both of whom have since become key players in the Orioles’ system. While that strategy benefited Baltimore’s broader outlook, it has not translated into immediate success for Kjerstad personally.

Hurdles in Transitioning to Major League Success

Health setbacks postponed Kjerstad’s professional debut until 2022. Although he earned Arizona Fall League MVP honors and showed flashes of brilliance in the minors, his performance against major league pitching has faltered. In 2025, Baltimore gave him extended playing time, but his offensive output was underwhelming: a .192 batting average, .240 on-base percentage, a .327 slugging percentage, and only four home runs across 167 plate appearances. His 3.6% walk rate and a -1.4 running Wins Above Replacement (rWAR) rank among the lowest in MLB this season.

Analyzing Kjerstad’s Plate Discipline Struggles

Closer examination reveals Kjerstad’s difficulties stem largely from poor plate discipline. Despite limited exposure to left-handed pitching, he has not succeeded against right-handers, posting a .613 OPS. His strikeout rate is high at 26.9%, accompanied by a concerning 38.4% chase rate on pitches outside the strike zone. Though his overall contact rate has improved from earlier stints, he still struggles to consistently connect and leverage his raw power due to questionable swing decisions.

Baltimore’s Outfield Depth Limits Opportunities for Kjerstad

The Orioles’ crowded outfield roster features established players like Cedric Mullins, Colton Cowser, and Tyler O’Neill, all ahead of Kjerstad. Additionally, top prospects such as Coby Mayo — versatile at third base and corner outfield — and Jordan Westburg, a former Arkansas teammate of Kjerstad, appear to offer more reliable options for Baltimore’s future plans. This surplus of talent may make Kjerstad expendable, setting the stage for a potential move.

Twins’ Need for Left-Handed Power Aligns with Kjerstad’s Profile

Minnesota’s demand for a left-handed bat is clear, as players like Trevor Larnach continue to struggle with consistency, and Kody Clemens remains mostly a bench contributor despite occasional strong performances. The Twins’ lineup is balanced but leans heavily on right-handed hitters, making the addition of a left-handed power bat a desirable goal. Kjerstad represents a gamble with upside—if he can adjust his approach, he could provide much-needed left-handed pop.

Inside Track: Twins’ Hitting Coach Familiarity with Kjerstad

Adding to the appeal is the connection between Kjerstad and Twins hitting coach Matt Borgschulte, who served as Baltimore’s hitting coach from 2022 through 2024. Borgschulte observed Kjerstad’s struggles and development firsthand. That familiarity might give the Twins confidence that with the right coaching and a fresh environment, Kjerstad’s potential could finally materialize.

Trade Considerations and Low-Risk Opportunity for Minnesota

The Twins are unlikely to overpay in acquiring Kjerstad given his diminished stock. Baltimore’s organizational depth and Kjerstad’s limited major league success suggest the Orioles would entertain offers that do not require premium prospects or high-level MLB players. This situation enables Derek Falvey and the Twins’ front office to pursue him without risking valuable assets, making Kjerstad an attractive low-cost option near the deadline.

Underlying Talent and Potential for Reclamation

Despite his struggles, Kjerstad’s underlying tools remain impressive. His minor league exit velocities ranked among the best in Baltimore’s system, and his Arizona Fall League performance demonstrated significant raw power. The challenge has been translating those tools into consistent results at the major league level. The Twins may believe that improvements in swing mechanics and plate discipline could unlock his latent abilities.

Strategic Fit for the Twins’ Roster and Future Outlook

For Minnesota, acquiring Kjerstad fits their strategy of seeking cost-controlled, high-upside players. If successful, they would add an affordable, controllable left-handed bat that could contribute both immediately and in the long term. Even if the experiment falls short, the low price of acquisition ensures minimal impact on the organization’s future. Given the Twins’ current needs, selecting a smart, low-risk option like Kjerstad may be one of the shrewdest moves at the trade deadline.