Baltimore Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson Makes Change Before World Baseball Classic
· Yahoo Sports
The Baltimore Orioles are preparing for another important season, but one of their top players is already making adjustments before Opening Day. Gunnar Henderson is expected to play a key role not only for Baltimore, but also on the international stage in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Henderson has established himself as one of the most versatile and talented young infielders in baseball. Primarily known for his work at shortstop, his ability to move around the infield has always been part of his value. That flexibility is now coming into focus as he prepares to represent Team USA.
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“Gunnar Henderson may rotate between shortstop and third base for Team USA in the WBC. He said he has been taking some grounders at third on the back field to be ready. He’s unsure as of yet whether he’ll get into an Orioles spring training game at third before he leaves March 1,” reported Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner.
Gunnar Henderson may rotate between shortstop and third base for Team USA in the WBC. He said he has been taking some grounders at third on the back field to be ready. He’s unsure as of yet whether he’ll get into an Orioles spring training game at third before he leaves March 1
— Andy Kostka (@afkostka) February 23, 2026
This change is especially notable because Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is widely expected to handle the majority of the shortstop duties for Team USA. With Witt emerging as one of the premier players in the sport, Henderson shifting to third base allows both players to remain in the lineup while maximizing defensive alignment.
For Henderson, the willingness to adapt highlights both his team‑first mindset and his athleticism. It also provides added value for the Orioles, who could benefit from his positional flexibility during the MLB season if needed even if it unlikely.
Looking back at his 2025 campaign, Henderson still delivered strong production, even if it did not quite match his near‑MVP level from 2024. He appeared in 154 games, hitting .274 with a .349 on‑base percentage and an .787 OPS. He added 17 home runs, 68 RBIs and 30 stolen bases, continuing to impact the game in multiple ways.
Those numbers reinforce why Henderson remains one of the faces of the Orioles franchise. Already a Rookie of the Year winner, All‑Star and Silver Slugger, he has built an impressive track record early in his career. Still, expectations remain high given what he showed during his breakout 2024 season.
This upcoming stretch, beginning with the World Baseball Classic, presents another opportunity for Henderson to elevate his game. Facing elite international competition while adjusting to a new defensive role could sharpen his overall skill set.
For Baltimore, that could pay dividends. If Henderson returns from the WBC more versatile and closer to his peak form, it would further strengthen a roster with postseason aspirations and reinforce his status as one of the game’s premier young talents.