Heston Kjerstad arrived early at Orioles spring training, well ahead of the report date for position players. He’s fighting for a roster spot in a crowded outfield, and if he doesn’t make the club, it won’t be for lack of an opportunity.

Spring training is so close you can almost hear the thwack of baseballs popping into catchers’ mitts. For the Orioles, spring training offers a chance to put their disappointing finish to the 2024 season behind them and focus on another World Series chase.

The pitchers and catchers had their first spring training workout on Thursday at the Orioles' complex in Sarasota, Florida.