SARASOTA – Heston Kjerstad batted first yesterday and may not occupy that spot in a lineup for the entire 2026 season, whether he’s playing for the Orioles or in Triple-A.

This is also why you shouldn’t read too much into it in spring training.

Ten players hit leadoff for the Orioles in 2025 under a different manager and, they hope, a different set of circumstances. Jackson Holliday was first among the first with 113 starts, followed by Cedric Mullins with 18. Holliday will begin the season on the injured list and could move down in the order when he’s ready to return. Mullins was traded to the Mets at the deadline and signed with the Rays as a free agent.

Craig Albernaz is in charge now and didn’t share much regarding his leadoff plans when asked about them yesterday in his pregame media scrum.

Does he want the same player atop the order if possible or could he play matchups and move guys around?

“All of the above,” he replied.

“Matchups, who’s comfortable hitting where, all of that comes into play when making lineups. And that’s something where we just have to be open and honest with our players, too, in looping them in. Last thing we want to do is surprise anyone. So for us as a coaching staff, we just have to make sure we’re in constant communication with those guys.”

A prototypical leadoff hitter isn’t as common in baseball as the game evolves. Enrique Bradfield Jr. might fit the mold if he made the Opening Day roster – limited power but 80-grade speed and tremendous bunting skills – but it’s too soon for him. Bradfield was reassigned to minor league camp after yesterday’s game.

Gunnar Henderson is a candidate, doing it 13 times last season. He should be fresh with his limited duty for Team USA, but that’s a separate topic.

Taylor Ward has batted first in a couple of exhibition games, as well as 169 times in the regular season in his career. He’s a good choice if you’re partial to 30-homer guys in the role.

“It all depends,” Albernaz said of his ideal leadoff guy. “Depends on the hitter, depends on the pitcher, depends on the team we’re playing, depends on a lot of different stuff.”

*Jeremiah Jackson batted first in one game last season and is fighting to make the team in a utility role. He played right field and third base for the Orioles last season but is mostly at second base this spring, his latest start coming yesterday.

“He looks great over there,” Albernaz said. “I think with everyone that’s always played on the left side of the infield, like Jeremiah came up as a shortstop and he played third base last year, it’s like that double play turn, just because that runner’s coming on you blindly. That’s something new. But he’s adapted to it well. He’s doing great work.

“Just like anything, we love versatility, and with someone like J.J., the more positions he can play the better.”

“I feel really comfortable at second,” Jackson said. “I would say second’s probably one of my more comfortable positions on the diamond. But it’s really just a reps thing. Just trying to be better at my first step, which is kind of everywhere – infield, outfield. But as far as second goes, just going out there and continuing to get live reps and then just continue to work hard and be ready and be available.”

Jackson made the climb from Double-A to the majors last summer and hit .276/.328/.447 with 10 doubles, two triples, five home runs and 21 RBIs in 48 games. He batted .323 with an .828 OPS in 26 games in August but .221 with a .713 OPS in 22 games in September.

“I played well in my stint up there, so for me, I know I belong and I can play there,” he said. “Obviously, there’s a lot of talent, there’s a lot of position battles and this and that, but for me, I don’t have to prove anything, at least to myself. I got up there from Double-A and had some success, so I know I can play there, I know I can do it, and I know I can help the team win. So for me, it’s really just getting my reps in, get ready for the season and whatever happens kind of happens.

“A little bit of that’s out of my control. But really, all I can control at this point is how I show up to the field every day and the work I put in.”

Jackson has some catching up to do after missing about a week with a mild calf strain. He returned to the lineup yesterday and went 0-for-3.

Albernaz said Jackson could play in the outfield “in the next week or so.”

*Trevor Rogers starts this afternoon against the Pirates in Bradenton, which makes him off limits to the media until he comes out of the game.

That’s when Rogers can be asked about getting the Opening Day assignment, his first in the majors.

“Rog, he’s a great pitcher,” Jackson said, but he’s also a great guy, so for us, I think we’re all happy for him that he’s opening the season for us. I’m excited to see what he can do this year.”

Catcher Samuel Basallo, who doubled, homered and drove in five runs yesterday in Clearwater, had just found out about Rogers as he approached the media for his in-game interview.

“It’s great,” he said via interpreter Brandon Quinones. “I’m very proud of him. I’m very happy for him. He’s someone who went through a difficult year and a half, two years or whatever it was, and to see where he’s at now, it’s incredible. He’s a great pitcher, so again, I’m just very proud of him, very happy for him.”