Who is Gunnar Henderson - Baltimore Orioles’ top prospect?
If you’re going to do something, then do it right and that’s exactly what the Orioles star did in his MLB debut.
The young prospect was promoted this week and he expressed his thanks in the best way one could have asked for.
Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson knows how to make an entrance
On Wednesday, MLB fans were introduced to the Baltimore Orioles top prospect Gunnar Henderson and without doubt, it was an introduction that will be remembered. Indeed, Henderson announced his arrival in the big leagues in the kind of way that belongs in a sports drama film about a young star rising to the top. See for yourself:
Aside from the obvious highlight, Henderson also put in a credible performance to boot, as he went 2 for 4, and even added a ninth-inning single in what turned out to be a 4-0 victory for the Orioles over the Guardians.
Who is Gunnar Henderson?
Now 21-years old, Henderson was the Orioles’ second-round pick out of high school back in 2019 and as one can imagine, he’s moved rapidly up the ladder since. Having played some 47 games in Double-A, Henderson was later moved on to Triple-A where he made 65 appearances. In 2022, he’s been batting .297/.416/.531 with 24 doubles, seven triples, 19 homeruns, 76 RBI, 101 runs and 22 steals in a total of 112 games. Used primarily as a third baseman and shortstop, Henderson has showed great versatility. Interestingly, he played at third base in his Orioles debut and was sixth in the batting order against Cleveland on Wednesday.
What’s clear, is that as arguably the top prospect in the minors, Henderson has a bright future ahead of him. As one analyst noted, “...He’s impressed scouts with his above-average raw power and his defensive potential. The Orioles have cross-trained him at both left-side infield positions throughout his career, but scouts expect him to end up at third base long term.”
Can Orioles make the playoffs with Henderson in the mix?
With a 67-61 record and sitting three games behind the Toronto Blue Jays, the Orioles are in contention for the last wild-card spot in the American League. Given the timing of his arrival, Henderson will in fact be eligible for Baltimore’s postseason roster should the manage to get there. With regards to how he could be utilized, it’s worth noting that Henderson has been increasingly used at second base - six times in his last nine games - which would suggest that the Orioles intend to replace Rougned Odor with him. On the other hand, with his aforementioned versatility, the Orioles could may yet move him around.
We should also mention his base stealing prowess. Indeed, prior to Henderson’s promotion the Orioles were already the only team in the league with two players who have more than 20 bases stolen on their CVs - Jorge Mateo and Cedric Mullins. Having added a third in Henderson, they will now be considered a serious threat on the basepaths. In truth, with AL Rookie of the Year hopeful Adley Rutschman having already been promoted by the Orioles earlier this season, Henderson’s arrival can only mean big things are underway in Baltimore. How big? Let’s keep watching to find out.