Orioles: How Great Has Gunnar Henderson Been in the Past Week?

Baltimore Orioles second round draft pick Gunnar Henderson. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Orioles second round draft pick Gunnar Henderson. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Gunnar Henderson has been hitting well for the Orioles lately.

If you’re an Orioles fan and you haven’t heard of Gunnar Henderson, then you are missing out on the development of another special player in Baltimore. If you’re a baseball fan and not an Orioles fan, and you haven’t heard of Gunnar Henderson, then say hello to the youngest player in the Major Leagues.

Starting the year at AA Bowie, Gunnar has made his way up the ranks, and now is a centerpiece of the Baltimore Orioles. Coming up as a shortstop and third baseman, he has played 2B, 3B, and SS at the Major League level.

Since his call-up on August 31st, in 16 games, he has a slash line of .345/.386/.586 and an OPS of .976 with 2 HRs and 12 RBIs. Now over the past 7 days, with a total of 5 games, he has a slash line of .444/.474/.889 with an OPS of 1.363 and 1 HR with 8 RBIs.

What is even more astounding is in his short career at the plate, when Henderson comes up when the Orioles are within 1 run, his slash line is .355/.394/.645 with an OPS of 1.039 with 1 HR and 8 RBIs. When the Orioles are within 4 runs, his slash line is .373/.407/.647 with an OPS of 1.055 with 2 HRs and 12 RBIs.

Is it too early to call him Mr. Clutch?

Keep in mind that he also plays 2B, 3B, and SS. Now, how good has he been at all three positions? Combined he has 20 PO, 32 A, and zero Errors for a 1.000 Fielding Percentage.  His range has also been phenomenal in getting to hard-hit grounders.

This lays the groundwork for a solid core up the middle for the Orioles with Adley Rutschman behind the plate, Henderson at 2B, 3B, or SS, and Mullins up the middle with a developing pitching staff.

Moving forward expect the Orioles to add some pitching through free agency as GM Mike Elias has been tied to Justin Verlander and the promotion next year of Grayson Rodriguez, Jordan Westburg, Colton Cowser, Joey Ortiz, and possibly Coby Mayo.

This is just the beginning of what looks like to be a perennial playoff contender in Baltimore.