The shuffling of players today on the Orioles’ 40-man roster has unexpectedly sent outfielder Heston Kjerstad into free agency.

A source confirmed that Kjerstad, the second-overall pick in the 2020 draft, has cleared outright waivers. He’s free to sign with any team.

Kjerstad, 27, is out of minor league options next season and appeared to be slipping out of the team’s plans. He wasn’t recalled until September and went 4-for-19 with double in 11 games.

The Orioles are in the market for another outfielder but already have Colton Cowser and Dylan Beavers batting from the left side. Kjerstad has been besieged with health issues since his selection from the University of Arkansas, including a diagnosis of myocarditis shortly after the draft, and batted .217/.280/.359 with nine doubles, two triples, 10 home runs and 38 RBIs in 117 games over parts of four seasons.

A concussion in 2024 sidetracked Kjerstad again, limiting him to 39 games. He slashed .253/.351/.394, which turned out to be his best season in the majors.

Kjerstad made the club out of spring training in 2025 but was optioned after batting .192/.240/.327 in 54 games. An undisclosed illness forced the Orioles to shut him down at Triple-A Norfolk, with his last game played on July 25.

After impressing early in camp this spring, Kjerstad strained his right hamstring while running to first base on March 19. He batted .289/.337/.462 with 17 doubles, 11 homers and 44 RBIs in 79 games with Triple-A Norfolk.

The Baltimore Banner first reported that Kjerstad cleared waivers.

The day began with 33 players on the Orioles’ 40 man roster. According to multiple sources, the Orioles declined first baseman Ryan Mountcastle’s $7.5 million option, which was expected.

I wrote about Mountcastle this morning.

Another spot could open with the Orioles holding a $3.5 million option on reliever Dietrich Enns’ contract. Pitchers Kyle Bradish and Ryan Helsley, infielder Jordan Westburg and outfielder Tyler O’Neill must be reinstated from the 60-day injured list.

Helsley exercised his $14 million player option for 2027 after elbow injuries limited him to 17 appearances.

Other moves from earlier include the Orioles declining outfielder Luis Robert Jr.’s $20 million option and starter Zach Eflin’s $25 million mutual option. Eflin is recovering from elbow-reconstructive surgery.