The Baltimore Orioles are searching for a bounce back season heading into 2026 after a disappointing 2025. Baltimore finished with a record of 75–87, a clear step backward for the organization. The front office has been aggressive in trying to build a contender and capitalize on its cost-controlled young core, none more impactful than Gunnar Henderson.
Since breaking out in 2023 by winning American League Rookie of the Year honors, Henderson has become the team’s most talented player. He followed with an impressive 2024, earning his first All-Star selection and finishing fourth in AL MVP voting. In 2025, he regressed slightly but still produced solid numbers, posting a .274 batting average, a .349 on-base percentage, a .787 OPS, 17 home runs and 68 RBIs across 154 games.
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As Henderson gears up for the 2026 season, a return to MVP-level form could be the spark Baltimore needs for a turnaround. However, before the MLB season begins in late March, Henderson will first take part in the World Baseball Classic. On Tuesday, Team USA revealed that he will represent his country on the international stage, adding another layer of competition to his spring preparation. The official WBC account on X announced his participation. “Gunnar Henderson’s repping the stars and stripes! He’ll be joining Team USA in the 2026 #WorldBaseballClassic!” the post read.
The tournament, which runs from March 5 to March 17, will not affect Henderson’s availability for the regular season. If anything, it provides extra competitive baseball to sharpen his game ahead of Opening Day.
Henderson’s tenure with Baltimore traces back to the 2019 MLB Draft, when the Orioles selected him in the second round. Since then, he has grown into the face of the franchise, playing a pivotal role in their playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024. Those runs ultimately ended in quick postseason exits, tempering expectations for the organization, but Henderson’s presence at the top of the order remains a reason for optimism.
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Still just 24 years old, he possesses a versatile skill set and the potential to develop even further as he matures. Baltimore controls his contract through the 2028 season, giving them time to build around him. The front office, under new ownership, has already explored long-term extensions for Henderson and fellow young star Jackson Holliday, though no agreement appears imminent. Henderson’s youth, talent and leadership keep Baltimore’s future bright, driving optimism as the Orioles aim to rebound in 2026.