The Baltimore Orioles lineup looks much stronger and deeper heading into the 2026 MLB season. With a wealth of talent, new manager Craig Albernaz will have to shape the team the way he sees fit, and that process begins at the top with the decision of who will lead off. He has multiple options, but none stand out as the obvious choice.

Jackson Holliday was Baltimore’s primary leadoff hitter in 2025, appearing in 149 games and making 113 starts at the top of the order. He posted a .242 batting average, .314 on-base percentage, .690 OPS, 17 home runs, 55 RBIs and 17 stolen bases. His stats reflected a young hitter still rounding into form rather than a prototypical table-setter on a contending club. He showed promise at the top of the order, but he did not provide the consistent production typically desired from a leadoff hitter.

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Gunnar Henderson, meanwhile, has been the focal point of the Orioles’ lineup since reaching the majors. In 2025, the 24-year-old shortstop remained the team’s most productive all-around hitter. In 154 games, Henderson owned a .274 batting average, .349 on-base percentage, .787 OPS, 17 home runs, 68 RBIs and 30 stolen bases.

While his 2025 numbers dipped from his MVP-level performance in prior seasons, he still produced a high on-base percentage and contributed significantly on the basepaths. Henderson’s blend of contact, power and speed makes him a strong candidate for the leadoff spot, especially if the goal is to maximize plate appearances for the team’s best hitter.

Newly acquired outfielder Taylor Ward adds another dimension to the conversation. Last year, Ward hit .228 with 36 home runs and 103 RBIs over 157 games while posting a .792 OPS with the Los Angeles Angels. He drove in runs consistently and showed excellent power, ranking among the league leaders in homers and RBI. His profile, however, is that of a middle-of-the-order slugger rather than a prototypical leadoff hitter.

With a new manager and a deeper roster, Baltimore can afford to be strategic about its batting order in 2026. The leadoff spot should ideally be occupied by the player most likely to reach base and create scoring opportunities while also setting the table for the power bats behind him. Of the candidates, Henderson has the strongest combination of on-base ability, power and speed, even if his 2025 numbers dipped slightly from elite levels. He represents the best all-around offensive talent on the Orioles’ roster, making him the logical choice to lead off.