Orioles fans witness another star in the making as Heston Kjerstad smokes homer in first MLB hit - "The next big thing"

Orioles fans had been eagerly anticipating the arrival of Heston Kjerstad, and he did not disappoint in his MLB debut. In a memorable moment at Camden Yards, Kjerstad, the Orioles’ No. 3 prospect, showcased his immense potential by smacking a solo home run in his first MLB hit during the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays.

This electrifying moment not only shortened Tampa’s lead and break their no-hitter, but also brought hope among Orioles faithful that they were witnessing the birth of a new star.

"The next big thing!!!" - One fan posted

What did Heston Kjerstad’s journey to the majors look like?

Heston Kjerstad’s journey to the majors was far from straightforward, as he had to overcome the setback of myocarditis, which sidelined him for an entire season. However, his determination and talent pulled him through, as he dominated at every level of the minor leagues and turned heads with his impressive performance with the Orioles during Spring Training.

Heston Kjerstad suffered setbacks before being called up the Major Leagues. However, he dominated through every level of the Minor Leagues which earned him a spot in the Orioles towards the end of the 2023 MLB season.

Manager Brandon Hyde praised Kjerstad’s ability to hit for power and his overall performance, setting high expectations for the young slugger. Kjerstad’s arrival adds to the Orioles’ growing list of promising prospects who have made their MLB debuts in recent seasons, further reinforcing the team’s commitment to building an even more competitive future.

While playing time may be limited for Kjerstad in the final stretch of the regular season, his performance against the Tampa Bay Rays during his debut, his potential as a pinch-hitter as well as his versatility in the outfield and designated hitter positions make him a valuable asset for the Orioles as they continue their development process which has made them one of the most competitive teams this season.