Gunnar Henderson's WBC moment just turned up the heat on the Orioles front office

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson is making the most of his time with Team USA during the World Baseball Classic. Starting at third base in the semi-final against the Dominican Republic on Sunday, Henderson only had one hit in four plate appearances, but it was a decisive one. Henderson's fourth-inning home run got the United States on the board and set the stage for their 2-1 victory.

Henderson's run with Team USA during the World Baseball Classic has been a reminder of what the Orioles missed last season. By most metrics, Henderson had a good 2025 campaign, but there was a noticeable power regression. The 24-year-old shortstop went from hitting 37 home runs in 2024 to just 17 last year.

While the Orioles' starting lineup saw the arrivals of Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward this offseason, the season will be defined by what version of Henderson they get in 2026. If the WBC is any indicator, it's the version that is going to make life hard for Mike Elias and Co.

Even with the dip in power last year, it's worth pointing out that Henderson topped his arbitration projections in the first year of eligibility. MLB Trade Rumors projected a $6.6 million figure for Henderson, but he wound up agreeing to an $8.5 million deal.

In other words, Henderson's price is only going to go up. He has two more years of arbitration before reaching free agency, and if his power truly returns, he is easily going to be positioned as one of the top hitters in the 2029 free-agent class.

Pressure is already mounting for the Orioles' front office, assuming they have the goal of keeping Henderson around for the long-term.

Gunnar Henderson's WBC heroics has proven Orioles fans right

Beyond the pressure that Henderson is putting on the Orioles' front office, he's also validating Baltimore fans.

There's been plenty of bones to pick with Mark DeRosa as Team USA's manager, but for Orioles fans, the biggest offense may be the lack of playing time for Henderson. Part of the reason why Henderson saw some time at third base during spring training was the expectations that he was to man the hot corner during the WBC.

Instead, DeRosa has routinely run out a lineup that has had Brice Turang at second base and Alex Bregman at third base. While Bregman's inclusion in the lineup is likely tied to experience, it seemed odd that DeRosa was snubbing Henderson in favor of Turang. To his credit, Turang is hitting over .350 during the tournament, while Bregman has struggled.

Team USA will be playing in the World Baseball Classic championship game on Tuesday, and it's clear that Henderson needs to be in the starting lineup. If he isn't, it's just more confirmation that DeRosa may not be suited for managing.