Orioles to cut ties with former first-round pick, 27, in surprise move

The Baltimore Orioles might not be tearing it all down this offseason, but their decision to part ways with a former No. 2 overall draft pick shows they aren’t afraid to make tough decisions after a disappointing 79-82 season.According to Jake Rill of MLB.com, Heston Kjerstad cleared waivers on Monday, Nov. 2 and will become a free agent. The 27-year-old outfielder has had a disappointing start to his MLB career, slashing .217/.280/.359 (81 OPS+) in four seasons with the Orioles.MORE: Cubs re-sign saves leader for bargain $2.5 million contractStill, Kjerstad was a year away from arbitration eligibility, and wouldn’t have made much on top of his relatively affordable 2026 salary ($789,500). The decision to cut ties with Kjerstad comes on the same day the Orioles reportedly declined Ryan Mountcastle’s $7.5 million option for 2027. The veteran had spent his entire 7-year MLB career in Baltimore, playing 660 regular-season games in an Orioles uniform.MORE: Mets acquire pitcher with 2.19 ERA from TwinsMore to come on this story—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter—