Gunnar Henderson addressed Baltimore's aggressive moves in MLB free agency.
Baltimore Orioles superstar Gunnar Henderson has made it clear he approves of the team’s aggressive approach this winter. Speaking about the franchise’s flurry of moves, Henderson praised both the acquisitions and the message they send to the clubhouse.
“I was pumped up,” Henderson said (h/t Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports). “Pete’s a great dude. I met him for the first time at the All-Star Game in ’24. I was super pumped up to see the news.”
The “Pete” Henderson referred to is right-handed slugger Pete Alonso, who signed with Baltimore in one of the offseason’s biggest deals.
Alonso’s arrival gives the Orioles a proven middle-of-the-order bat to pair with Henderson, Jackson Holliday and Samuel Basallo, strengthening a lineup that struggled with consistency in 2025.
But Alonso was not the only addition. The Orioles front office, led by general manager Mike Elias, also acquired closer Ryan Helsley to stabilize the bullpen, outfielder Taylor Ward to add depth and versatility, and starting pitchers Shane Baz and Zach Eflin to bolster a rotation that faltered last season. Reliever Andrew Kittredge was also brought back in a trade with the Chicago Cubs to provide veteran presence and late-inning reliability.
“I love it,” Henderson continued. “Obviously I know, speaking for a lot of the guys, that their No. 1 goal is to win championships and I’m glad the front office has proven that they’re wanting to do that, as well.”
Henderson’s endorsement carries weight given his role as the team’s offensive centerpiece. Even in an injury-affected 2025 season, he remained one of Baltimore’s most productive players. Across 154 games, Henderson hit .274 with 17 home runs, 68 RBIs and 30 stolen bases, while posting a .349 on-base percentage and a .787 OPS. Those numbers, combined with his defensive efforts at shortstop, underscored his value even when not at full strength.
For the Orioles, the offseason strategy has been clear: invest heavily in proven talent and compete immediately in the AL East. After missing the postseason in 2025, the team’s acquisitions have reshaped expectations heading into 2026.
Henderson’s own journey from a second-round draft pick in 2019 to Rookie of the Year in 2023 and an All-Star in 2024 shows how quickly he has become the face of the franchise. His growth, resilience and production have made him the standard bearer for Baltimore’s future. As the Orioles turn the page to 2026, Henderson stands not only as their centerpiece but as one of the defining young players in the big leagues.