The return of Gunnar Henderson is something the Baltimore Orioles have been long waiting for. The team is already going to hit the regular season without their pitcher, Grayson Rodriguez. Hence, getting Henderson back is just helping a fish gasping for air. The Orioles’ 23-year-old shortstop himself confirmed his recovery and willingness to get back to action. However, are the Orioles in a hurry to get Henderson back on the field? If yes, then it might prove detrimental for the team in the long run. MLB insider Cole Tucker thinks so. Will it be too costly to lose Henderson for the team?
The 2024 season saw Gunnar Henderson, the 2023 AL Rookie of the Year, make his first All-Star selection after a stellar season in which he hit .281 with 37 homers, 92 RBIs, 21 stolen bases, and an OPS of .893! Going by his recent figures, he is starting to show promise as an MVP contender in the AL as he enters his fourth major league season. “He played 159 games last year as a shortstop, which is freakishly difficult to do,” Tucker said. So yes, a lot is riding on Henderson this time.
“He showed you who he was last year, and you can depend on this kid.”
Cole Tucker shares his thoughts on Gunnar Henderson aiming for an Opening Day return:#Orioles
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— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) March 16, 2025
Well, everyone at the Baltimore Orioles is excited to get their slugger back, however, Tucker thinks otherwise. “He’s in spring training again, and he has another abdominal issue. The smart thing to do would be to let this kid stay back,” Tucker said to the MLB Network Radio. The kind of value Henderson offered last year is too good to lose. With him still not fully fit, the Orioles shouldn’t be in a hurry to get him back. “He showed you who he was last year, and you can depend on this kid,” Tucker added about why Henderson should be dealt with more care.
The Orioles can turn the tide this year
Despite what Tucker commented about Henderson, the slugger himself is desperate to get back by the opening day. However, could the Baltimore Orioles be in a position to start the regular season by benching Henderson? The Orioles will move Jackson Holliday from second base to shortstop if Gunnar Henderson is unable to play. In that case, Jordan Westburg will provide depth at the position, and Livan Soto may replace Henderson on the 26-man roster. Could Holliday fill the shoes of Henderson? Well, Holliday has played 127 games at shortstop in the Minor Leagues since 2022.
The Orioles had an impressive performance last year with a 91-71 record and finished second in the AL East. This year, they have a few players to watch out for. Adley Rutschman, Jordan Westburg, and Colton Cowser are a few projected to shine for the team this year. If Henderson can get added to these names, the Orioles can expect to end their 10-game postseason losing streak. Will it be enough to turn the tide this year? Time will tell if their new bright orange jersey can bring better luck this year.
Nevertheless, keeping Henderson away from the action in the short run can have long-term benefits for the Baltimore Orioles. Going slow with him can help the team win the race. Do you think Henderson is the key to success for the Orioles? Share your views with us below.
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