MLB insider's ominous Gunnar Henderson warning proves Orioles' woes are just beginning

The impression has been that the shipped has sailed for the Baltimore Orioles and Gunnar Henderson working out a contract extension, and nothing that has transpired this season has changed that feeling.

After an offseason that turned heads with the additions of Ryan Helsley, Pete Alonso, and Shane Baz, no one would have suggested the outcome at the deadline would have been trade involving Adley Rutschman. Especially one that had him sent to the Boston Red Sox. Couple Mike Elias having the autonomy to make that deal with the Orioles still being a part of the wild card conversation, and it's a safe bet that nothing will change regarding the front office after the season.

Assuming that's the case, it's hard imagining that Henderson's future in Baltimore has shifted. Represented by Scott Boras, the idea of Henderson signing an extension before he reached free agency in 2029 seemed like a moot point.

Adley Rutschman's trade deadline fate was a subtle reminder of Gunnar Henderson's Orioles' future.

Orioles fans may not have needed that reminder, but that is the one that ESPN's Buster Olney offered up after the deadline.

Of course, that leads to the inevitable question of if the Orioles would entertain moving Henderson in the near future?

The immediate answer is probably no. Setting aside the whole Boras connection, Henderson is pacing to have the worst offensive season of his career. His wRC+ of 94 marks the lowest of his career, and ditto for his OPS of .690. His power has ticked back up, already topping his home run total from last season, but the rest of his numbers are down across the board.

Trading Henderson this offseason would be selling while his value is at it's lowest. Not to mention, the looming work stoppage in December adds a wrinkle to any potential trade.

That said one of the biggest questions the Orioles will have to ask themselves after their is a new CBA in place is what does the future hold for Henderson? The likely answer, as Olney pointed out, is a ticket out of Baltimore by 2029. If that's the case, then the hope should be for Henderson to return to form once their is baseball in 2027, and then the Orioles can possibly find a team to overpay for his services like the Red Sox did this year with Rutschman.

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