Gunnar Henderson Makes Feelings Clear on Baltimore Orioles' MLB Offseason Moves

We have reached what feels like the falling action of the MLB offseason, as most teams have a pretty good idea of what their team will look like for 2026. 

We've seen a lot of great players find new homes: Kyle Tucker to Los Angeles, Alex Bregman to Chicago, and Pete Alonso to Baltimore, just to name a few. 

Luckily for the Baltimore Orioles, the front office has a good understanding of what their batting order will look like next season. 

Baltimore has gone through a lot of change this offseason, specifcially in their search for a new manager where they landed on Craig Albernaz. After being hired on October 27, 2025, Albernaz has already developed a successful relationship with his brand new clubhouse. 

Superstar shortstop Gunnar Henderson has already spoken very highly Albernaz: 

“Seems like a really great guy. I’m super pumped to have him along and I’m really looking forward to getting into it with him," said Henderson on first-year manager Albernaz.  

It is always encouraging to see your star player express his satisfaction with the front office. 

President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias did not necessarily have the best 2025 offseason, so to see Henderson pleased with Elias' moves this time is wonderful to see.

In 2025, Baltimore had the 15th highest payroll in the MLB at approximately $164.6 million dollars. Being ranked 15th out of 30 teams in payroll isn't bad by any means, but in order to compete with the big market teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, you have to spend more money. 

Spend more money is exactly what Baltimore has done this offseason, as they have increased their payroll by $34.1 million dollars. After giving one of the largest contracts in franchise history to Pete Alonso, Baltimore has signaled that they are entering a new era of Orioles baseball. 

Henderson commented on Baltimore's desire to spend money this offseason: 

“Really glad they’re putting money into us. Super good time for Orioles fans, and they should be excited," said Henderson. 

The scariest part about this Baltimore team is that they are in heavy pursuit for a top of the rotation starting pitcher, which would likely take their payroll to above $200 million dollars. 

It is extremely encouraging to see Baltimore's young stars feel satisfied in the efforts of the front office, something that Baltimore fans and players aren't necessarily used to.