Orioles Decline Mountcastle Option and Release Kjerstad
On November 2, Baltimore declined Ryan Mountcastle’s $7.5 million option and released Heston Kjerstad after he cleared waivers, as the Orioles reshape their roster for 2027.
The Orioles declined their $7.5 million option covering first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, ending his current contract with Baltimore. The club also parted ways with outfielder Heston Kjerstad once he passed through waivers unclaimed. Mountcastle could still return on a different deal, while Kjerstad’s release closes a difficult chapter after myocarditis delayed the start of his professional career and he received limited major-league playing time.
Mountcastle played only eight games in 2026 after a foot fracture and an oblique strain disrupted his return. He hit a career-best 33 home runs in 2021, but Baltimore’s decision to move the left-field wall farther from home plate before the 2022 season reduced the value of his pull-side power. Statcast estimates he lost five expected home runs in 2022 and five more combined from 2023 through 2025.
The option decisions also covered outfielder Luis Robert Jr. and pitcher Zach Eflin, who are now free agents. Robert appeared in three games for Baltimore before a hamstring injury ended his season; Eflin is recovering from Tommy John surgery. Ryan Helsley, meanwhile, exercised his $14 million player option for 2027. He recorded eight saves and a 4.11 ERA in 15⅓ innings before injuries sidelined him after June, and should be available by spring training.
A separate Orioles rotation projection floated Shane McClanahan, Kyle Bradish, Brandon Woodruff and Shane Baz as possible starters, alongside Brandon Young or Luis De León. The club has acknowledged a need for starting pitchers and at least one outfielder. The proposed names are possibilities, not announced acquisitions.