# Orioles drop Mountcastle, Kjerstad

> Orioles decline Ryan Mountcastle’s $7.5m option and release Heston Kjerstad, ending their 2026 season with roster moves.
- Title: Orioles drop Mountcastle, Kjerstad · The Banner | Shortify
- Summary: Orioles decline Ryan Mountcastle’s $7.5m option and release Heston Kjerstad, ending their 2026 season with roster moves. Orioles declined Ryan Mountcastle’s…
- Keywords: orleans, ryan mountcastle, heston kjerstad, orleans roster, mlb, baltimore, news, local, Orioles, drop, Mountcastle, Kjerstad
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/sports/orioles-mlb/orioles-roster-moves-ryan-mountcastle-heston-kjerstad-trevor-rogers-KV7YDJFUVZGJNGIKXIVRE2TB54
- Author: Andy Kostka
- Published: 2026-11-02T19:58:43.2+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: orleans, ryan mountcastle, heston kjerstad, orleans roster, mlb, baltimore, news, local
## Orioles decline Mountcastle option
Orioles declined Ryan Mountcastle’s $7.5 million team option for 2026.
## Orioles release Kjerstad
Orioles released outfielder Heston Kjerstad after he cleared outright waivers.
## Kjerstad’s career challenges
Kjerstad’s professional career was delayed due to myocarditis and he struggled in cameo appearances.
## Other roster moves
Orioles declined Luis Robert Jr.’s $20 million option and Zach Eflin’s $25 million option.
## Mountcastle’s 2026 season
Mountcastle played eight games in 2026 due to foot injury and oblique strain.
## What happens next
Mountcastle could re-sign with Orioles for a different contract value after 2026.
## Key takeaway

Orioles declined Ryan Mountcastle’s $7.5m option and released Heston Kjerstad, ending their 2026 season with roster moves.