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It was no surprise to see Bobby Witt Jr. get the start at shortstop for Team USA on Friday night when they opened the 2026 World Baseball Classic against Brazil, but the Baltimore Orioles felt slighted that Gunnar Henderson didn't get the nod over Alex Bregman at third base or Brice Turang at second base. That changed on Saturday night when Henderson started in place of Witt against Great Britain, and was a spark plug.
In USA's 9-1 win on Saturday night, Henderson went 4-for-5 with a double and 2 RBI. After a 2025 season that saw a regression in power from the Orioles shortstop, Saturday was a reminder of how dangerous Baltimore can be if Henderson is once again....that dude.
Gunnar Henderson had an exit velocity of 105 mph or higher on all four of his hits last night.
— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) March 8, 2026
Only one other player has that many hits over 105 mph in the entire tournament 🤯 pic.twitter.com/xG3CeVp3Zo
It's no surprise to any Orioles fan to see Henderson be the ultimate teammate and take a spot on the bench on Friday, but as Jordan Westburg put it, it's also no surprise that the 24-year-old may have been playing with a chip on his shoulder on Saturday night.
"I know how much that probably pissed him off that he didn’t get in that first game, and for him to get in that second game, I just figured that was kind of how it was going to go. He was going to come play with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder and do what he does best."
Orioles will need Gunnar Henderson to be that guy during the regular season
Hender was also at the center of the biggest move the Orioles made this offseason. As the 2025 season proved, if Henderson doesn't have protection around him in the Orioles' starting lineup, there's going to be a cap to this potential. That is why the Orioles were so eager to sign Pete Alonso, and have some security for Henderson.
Adding to the importance of Henderson being a star again is the fact that the Orioles will open the season with both Westburg and Jackson Holliday on the IL. Both injured infielders were going to be relied upon on offense this year, so getting maximum value out of Henderson while they are out could be the difference early on.
If his World Baseball Classic performance is any indication, Henderson is ready to pick up the slack. And, if that happens, it may just be a special season in Baltimore.