The Orioles select outfielder Heston Kjerstad second overall in the 2020 MLB Draft

With the second pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, the Orioles have selected outfielder Heston Kjerstad out of Arkansas.

For teams that value track records of performance particularly at the college level in traditionally strong conferences like the SEC, players like Heston Kjerstad are valued extremely highly. The Razorbacks star has performed at the plate from day one while possessing above average to plus power from the left side of the plate. One of the premier power bats in the draft, Kjerstad connected for 30 home runs total during his first two years of college before posting an insane .448/.513/.791 line during the abbreviated 2020 campaign. While he is a power bat, he moves well for a guy of his size and should be reasonable in a corner outfield spot despite the time he spent at first base in college.

It is worth mentioning that the swing is a little weird, but Heston makes it work for him and it doesn’t sound like teams are worried too much about it and, as per current trends, point to his track record against top competition. There will be some swing and miss from the swing as well as the approach, but no more than your standard power bat does. His ability to get on base at a high rate and keep his athleticism as he matures will ultimately decide his ceiling, but he is pretty clearly near the top of the class of power bats in this draft with room for more.