Baltimore Orioles Youngster Is One Adjustment Away From Becoming a Star

The Baltimore Orioles have been in the midst of a rejuvenation period, with a roster brimming with young talent and a newfound sense of optimism. After years of rebuilding, the Orioles are finally seeing the fruits of their labor with a core of exciting prospects. One player, in particular, stands out as someone who, with just a few key adjustments, could elevate himself from a promising young talent to a bona fide star. That player is Gunnar Henderson, a 21-year-old infielder who is already making waves at the major league level.

Henderson is a player who has shown flashes of brilliance since being called up in 2022, but like many young athletes, there are areas where his game could be refined. With the right adjustments, he has the potential to be one of the most dynamic players in baseball. This article will explore who Gunnar Henderson is, the adjustments he needs to make, and how those changes could unlock his full potential as a future star for the Orioles.

The Rise of Gunnar Henderson

Gunnar Henderson’s journey to the major leagues has been one of rapid growth and promise. After being drafted by the Orioles in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft, he quickly climbed the minor league ranks. By 2021, he was already being hailed as one of the top prospects in all of baseball. His combination of power, speed, and defensive ability made him a standout in the Orioles’ system, and his rise was fueled by a relentless work ethic and an understanding of the game.

In 2022, Henderson made his debut with the Orioles, showing immediate flashes of why he had earned such high praise. He slashed .259/.348/.415 with 4 home runs and 18 RBIs in 34 games that season. While his numbers didn’t jump off the page, they were impressive for a young player still adjusting to major league pitching. In 2023, Henderson’s numbers continued to improve. He showed more power, slugging 28 home runs and driving in 84 RBIs. His batting average and on-base percentage also climbed, as he hit .257/.325/.489 over 157 games.

Despite his success, Henderson is not without his flaws. As good as he is, there are still areas where he can improve. To fully realize his potential, Henderson will need to make a few key adjustments in both his approach at the plate and his defensive game.

Adjustment 1: Refining His Plate Discipline

One of the most promising aspects of Gunnar Henderson’s game is his ability to make contact and drive the ball with authority. However, like many young players, his plate discipline is still a work in progress. In 2023, he posted a 9.4% walk rate and a 27.8% strikeout rate—solid numbers for a young hitter, but there’s definitely room for improvement. The key to taking his game to the next level is reducing the strikeouts while also increasing his walks.

Henderson’s strikeout rate, while not egregious, is a reflection of his aggressive approach at the plate. He has a tendency to expand the strike zone, chasing pitches outside the zone, particularly breaking balls and off-speed pitches. According to Statcast, Henderson’s chase rate (the percentage of pitches he swings at outside the strike zone) was higher than the league average in 2023. This leads to more swing-and-miss situations, which can be mitigated with a more disciplined approach.

One adjustment Henderson could make is learning to recognize pitches earlier in the count, particularly off-speed offerings. By laying off pitches that are outside the zone, he could force pitchers to throw more strikes, increasing his chances of making contact on favorable pitches. This would not only reduce his strikeouts but also increase his on-base percentage by drawing more walks. A more selective approach could allow Henderson to become a more well-rounded hitter, capable of both power and getting on base consistently.

Working with the Orioles’ coaching staff and analysts on pitch recognition could help Henderson make this adjustment. Many young hitters struggle with this aspect of the game, but it’s something that can be learned and honed over time.

Adjustment 2: Improving His Contact Consistency

While Henderson’s power is undoubtedly his greatest asset, he still has room to improve his overall contact consistency. In 2023, his batting average on balls in play (BABIP) was a respectable .300, but for a player of his potential, there’s room to push that number even higher. A higher BABIP would not only boost his average but also his ability to get on base and generate more opportunities for extra-base hits.

One of the reasons for this inconsistency is that Henderson occasionally struggles with pitch recognition and timing, especially against high-velocity fastballs. When pitchers can consistently challenge him with high heat, he tends to make weaker contact or miss altogether. This issue is common among young hitters adjusting to big-league pitching, but it is something Henderson can address with the right approach.

To make the necessary improvements, Henderson could benefit from focusing on improving his swing mechanics, particularly when facing fastballs. His bat speed is exceptional, but his timing and ability to square up high-velocity pitches could be better. By refining his mechanics and working on his timing against elite fastballs, Henderson could dramatically improve his contact quality, leading to a higher batting average and more extra-base hits.

Another area to focus on is pitch selection, as mentioned earlier. By becoming more selective and waiting for pitches in his sweet spot, Henderson could make more solid contact, resulting in more line drives and fewer weakly hit balls. If he can improve his consistency in this regard, it would make him a more complete hitter capable of generating offense from all parts of the lineup.

Adjustment 3: Defensively Becoming More Reliable

Henderson has already shown that he is capable of being a solid defender, whether at third base or shortstop. His athleticism and natural ability have allowed him to handle both positions, and in 2023, he posted solid defensive metrics, with 3 defensive runs saved (DRS) at third base. However, there’s still room for growth in terms of his overall defensive consistency.

One area where Henderson could improve is his ability to make the routine plays consistently. While he has the range and tools to make spectacular plays, he sometimes struggles with the simpler ones. A few errors or lapses in judgment can quickly take away from his overall defensive value. Focusing on improving his footwork and throwing accuracy, especially on double plays and routine ground balls, would help him reduce his errors and become a more reliable defender.

Additionally, if Henderson can continue to refine his instincts and positioning, he could become one of the top defensive players at either third base or shortstop. While his bat is what will ultimately make him a star, being an above-average defender at a premium position would only add to his value and make him even more of an asset to the Orioles.

The Path to Stardom

For Gunnar Henderson, the path to stardom is within reach, but it will require continued growth and refinement. With just a few adjustments—improving his plate discipline, refining his contact consistency, and becoming a more reliable defender—he has the potential to become one of the premier players in all of baseball. His combination of power, athleticism, and baseball IQ makes him a tantalizing prospect for the Orioles, and if he can make these tweaks, he could be the cornerstone of their lineup for years to come.

Henderson’s story is a reminder of how fine the line can be between potential and stardom. Many players have the tools to be great, but it often takes the right adjustments, both physically and mentally, to break through. With the right coaching and continued development, Gunnar Henderson could be one of the next great players in Major League Baseball.

As the Orioles continue their rebuild, Henderson’s development will be crucial to their success. He is not just a part of the team’s future—he could be the face of it. And as he makes the necessary adjustments to his game, he will likely transform into the star the Orioles have been waiting for.

Gunnar Henderson is a player who, at just 21 years old, has already shown the ability to contribute at a high level in the major leagues. With a few key adjustments to his game—particularly in terms of plate discipline, contact consistency, and defense—he could become a star. The Orioles’ future looks brighter with players like Henderson leading the charge, and with the right improvements, he could become a central figure in the team’s rise to prominence.