The Cincinnati Reds have officially made a major move to address their struggling offense, pulling off a significant trade with the Baltimore Orioles that brings outfielder Heston Kjerstad to the Queen City.
The Reds, who entered the season with high expectations under new manager Terry Francona, have been unable to produce consistent offense outside of stars Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain. With a deep pitching staff and a lack of offensive firepower—particularly in the outfield—Cincinnati was under pressure to act quickly before falling too far behind in the National League playoff race.
In exchange for Kjerstad, the Reds sent left-handed starter Andrew Abbott and minor league pitcher Carson Spiers to Baltimore. The Orioles are also sending a top-10 organizational prospect back to Cincinnati as part of the deal, sources confirmed late Thursday.
Kjerstad, 26, was once considered one of the Orioles’ top prospects, but found himself on the outside of an increasingly crowded outfield rotation in Baltimore. Despite showing flashes of brilliance at the plate, he was unable to secure consistent playing time. That’s expected to change in Cincinnati, where he’ll step in as a regular starter immediately.
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“We needed a bat, and we needed it now,” Reds GM Nick Krall said. “Heston brings pop, energy, and upside. He fits our timeline and will have every opportunity to thrive here.”
Abbott, meanwhile, heads to an Orioles team in need of rotation stability. The 24-year-old southpaw has been one of the Reds’ most consistent pitchers over the last year, and his departure clears a path for top pitching prospects like Rhett Lowder, Chase Petty, and Chase Burns to enter the fold.
There were rumblings that first baseman Ryan Mountcastle might also be part of the deal, but those discussions ultimately didn’t materialize—though league sources indicate the two teams remain in contact on that front.
With this trade, both clubs address clear needs: Cincinnati adds a potent bat to its lineup, and Baltimore reinforces its rotation as it continues its push in the American League.
