Team USA Facing Backlash for Gunnar Henderson Decision at World Baseball Classic

With the World Baseball Classic’s pool stage finally underway, the tournament has quickly become one of the most anticipated events of the year, especially considering it only takes place once every four years.

This year’s field features plenty of MLB talent representing their home countries, and one of the strongest rosters belongs to Team USA. For the Baltimore Orioles, the franchise has one player on Team USA: infielder Gunnar Henderson.

Henderson is one of the best all‑around players in the sport and has already become a franchise‑altering presence in Baltimore.

The 24‑year‑old posted a .274 batting average, .349 on‑base percentage, .787 OPS, 17 home runs, 68 RBIs and a career‑high 30 stolen bases across 154 games last season.

In just four years, he has already earned Rookie of the Year honors, an All‑Star selection, a Silver Slugger and two top‑ten finishes in AL MVP voting.

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

With that track record in mind, USA’s decision for Friday’s pool‑play game against Brazil was especially concerning. The lineup was announced hours before first pitch, and Henderson was not included.

That alone is not shocking given the star‑studded roster, but the replacement raised eyebrows. Team USA has three elite infielders on the left side: Alex Bregman of the Chicago Cubs, Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals and Henderson.

All three had routinely appeared together in exhibition lineups, with Bregman sliding to second and Henderson to third to keep their bats in the order. However, for Friday’s matchup against Brazil, manager Mark DeRosa elected to start Milwaukee Brewers infielder Bryce Turang at second base instead.

While Turang is a solid player, his peak production is nowhere near Henderson’s. There is even a legitimate argument that Henderson deserves to start over Bregman at third base, making the decision even more puzzling.

Orioles fans quickly voiced their frustration in the replies.

“No Gunnar?” one fan asked.

Another wrote, “Turang’s bat is horrible bro. Stop disrespecting Gunnar.”

One more added, “PUT GUNNAR OVER TURANG WHAT ARE WE DOING?”

“Play Gunnar or send him home,” wrote one fan.

“Would be an all‑time lineup if you put in Gunnar for Turang,” another replied.

Team USA will have plenty more opportunities to get Henderson into the lineup, but leaving one of baseball’s brightest young stars on the bench remains a questionable call.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Team USA Facing Backlash for Gunnar Henderson Decision at World Baseball Classic

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