Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson had a message after his stint for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic.
The Baltimore Orioles are turning their focus back to the regular season after a busy spring, but one of their brightest stars is coming off a bittersweet experience on the international stage.
Gunnar Henderson represented Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and while the team made a deep run, his role throughout the tournament sparked plenty of discussion.
Henderson made his first appearance in the WBC and quickly proved he belonged among the game’s elite. Despite limited opportunities, he was one of Team USA’s most productive hitters, flashing the same offensive upside that has made him a foundational piece of Baltimore’s lineup.
Still, the way his playing time unfolded left more to be desired. “The competitor in me, yeah. Yeah, I wish I could have gotten in there a little bit more. Just it was not the way the cards came out,” Henderson said when asked about his experience during the tournament (h/t Jake Rill of MLB.com).
It is easy to understand his frustration. Henderson went 6‑for‑15 at the plate and delivered some of the biggest swings for Team USA, including two crucial home runs.
One came in the semifinals against the Dominican Republic, a towering shot that tied the game and helped propel the Americans into the championship. He also launched a key homer during pool play against Italy that shifted momentum in another tight contest.
Despite that production, Henderson often found himself on the bench. Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals frequently got the nod at shortstop, while Chicago Cubs third basemanAlex Bregman handled duties at the hot corner. Even though Henderson had prepared to play multiple positions during spring training, those opportunities never fully materialized, limiting him to just four games.
Now back with the Orioles, Henderson’s focus shifts toward the 2026 MLB season, where expectations remain sky high. Baltimore is looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 campaign, and Henderson will be central to those hopes.
The 24‑year‑old is coming off another strong season, hitting .274 with a .349 on‑base percentage, .787 OPS, 17 home runs and 68 RBIs across 154 games. While those numbers were slightly impacted by a lingering left shoulder issue, they still reinforce his status as one of the league’s top young talents.
At his peak, Henderson has already shown MVP‑caliber ability, with two top‑10 finishes in American League MVP voting, along with a Rookie of the Year award, Silver Slugger honors and an All‑Star selection.