As the Baltimore Orioles approach the end of their baseball season, questions arise about player performance and potential awards. Orioles reporter Jacob Calvin Meyer addresses fan inquiries regarding the health of Heston Kjerstad, the struggles of Yennier Cano, and the contenders for the Most Valuable Oriole (MVO) award.
The situation surrounding Kjerstad remains unclear. He was placed on the Triple-A Norfolk injured list on July 29 due to fatigue. Despite inquiries, the team has not provided updates. Tony Mansolino, the interim manager, indicated in early August that there was nothing new to report, leaving fans concerned about Kjerstad’s condition. The lack of communication may lead to further speculation, and many anticipate an update from Mike Elias, the president of baseball operations, during the end-of-season press conference.
Cano, an All-Star in 2023, has seen his performance decline dramatically, currently holding a 5.09 ERA in 2025. Several factors contribute to this downturn. His fastball velocity has decreased, making it less effective against hitters. Additionally, his changeup has become one of the weakest in the league, with a batting average against of .417. Cano’s workload may also have impacted his performance; he pitched in 72 games last season and 70 the year before. The combination of these issues has led to a troubling trend, with his WHIP rising from 1.01 in 2023 to 1.45 this year. As the Orioles look to strengthen their bullpen for next season, it is crucial for Cano to regain his form.
As the offseason approaches, discussions about acquiring a reliable closer intensify. With at least ten closers expected to enter the market, the Orioles have a unique opportunity to bolster their bullpen. High-profile options include Edwin Díaz and Robert Suárez, who may seek lucrative contracts after opting out of their player options. Mid-tier choices like Ryan Helsley and Devin Williams also present compelling alternatives. The team must weigh their options carefully, especially with Félix Bautista likely to miss the entire next season due to shoulder surgery.
The race for the MVO award this year features two strong candidates: Trevor Rogers and Gunnar Henderson. Rogers, despite missing the first two months of the season, has posted an impressive 1.43 ERA over 100.2 innings and is a contender for the American League Cy Young Award. Conversely, Henderson has been the Orioles’ standout offensive player, leading in multiple categories. The decision between them presents a challenge for voters, as both have compelling cases for the award.
Choosing a third candidate for the MVO award is even more complex. Past contenders like Anthony Santander and Colton Cowser are no longer in the mix, and only players currently within the organization are eligible. Adley Rutschman and Jordan Westburg rank as the second and third best position players according to Baseball-Reference’s wins above replacement, but both have faced significant injuries this season.
One emerging name for the third spot is Jackson Holliday, who has remained healthy and productive. Another possibility is Dylan Beavers, who after just 27 games, has established himself as a key player with a .277 batting average, a .423 on-base percentage, and a .470 slugging percentage. His performance since his debut on August 16 has made a strong impression, positioning him as a serious contender for the MVO ballot.
Meyer concluded his analysis by revealing his MVO picks: Rogers, Henderson, and Beavers. These selections reflect a blend of performance and potential, capturing the spirit of the Orioles’ season as they look toward the future.
For fans and analysts alike, the coming weeks will determine the outcomes not only of individual awards but also the direction of the Orioles as they prepare for the next season.
