AL East: Kjerstad, others vying for expanded roles in 2025

Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore is facing a potential significant void in the middle of its lineup with Anthony Santander's pending free agency. Following a season in which he’s hit .273/.350/.478 with 41 HR in 609 PA, Santander will be a popular target of teams seeking middle-of-the-batting-order stability.

If Santander departs, the most likely option to receive playing time in right field would be Heston Kjerstad. Despite receiving sporadic playing time at the major league level, Kjerstad has hit well (.254/.361/.408 in 83 PA) and has been one of the best hitters at the AAA level (.300/.397/.601 in 258 PA for AAA-Norfolk). Kjerstad’s season was also slowed down by a concussion that he suffered in July, though he recently returned to...

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