Here’s a bold statement: Gunnar Henderson’s 2025 season wasn’t just a step back—it was a battle against unseen injuries that could’ve derailed his entire year. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was the Orioles’ decision to keep him playing despite a lingering shoulder impingement a mistake, or a testament to his toughness? Let’s dive in.
Henderson, the Orioles’ star infielder, wrapped up his third full Major League season with a solid .274/.349/.438 batting line and 17 home runs across 651 plate appearances. On paper, it mirrored his 2023 campaign, which earned him AL Rookie of the Year honors. His 120 wRC+ and 4.8 fWAR in 2025 were nearly identical to the previous year’s 122 wRC+ and 4.7 fWAR. And this is the part most people miss: While those numbers are impressive, they pale in comparison to his 2024 breakout season, where he posted a staggering 154 wRC+ and 7.9 fWAR.
So, what happened? In a recent interview on WBAL’s Orioles Hot Stove Show, Henderson revealed he spent “three-quarters of the year” dealing with a previously undisclosed shoulder impingement. “I just wasn’t able to hold the plane,” he explained. “My body was adjusting, and it didn’t set me up to leverage the ball like I normally do.” Despite the injury, Henderson played in 154 of 155 games after returning from the IL in April, a decision that raises questions. With the Orioles out of contention early, should the team have prioritized his health over playing time? A thought-provoking question for fans: Was this a missed opportunity to protect their star player, or a necessary risk to keep him in rhythm?
Looking ahead, Henderson’s prediction of a healthy 2026 season is promising. If he returns to his 2024 form, it could be a game-changer for the Orioles, who are eager to rebound from their disappointing 75-win season. But let’s not forget the bigger picture: injuries have plagued the Orioles’ roster, and Henderson’s shoulder issue is just another chapter in that story.
Now, let’s shift gears to Framber Valdez. The Orioles’ interest in the free-agent lefty isn’t new. Here’s a surprising twist: Back in 2017, the Astros were ready to send Valdez—then a Double-A prospect—to Baltimore in a four-player package for closer Zack Britton. The deal fell apart at the last minute, reportedly due to the Orioles’ medical concerns about two players, though later reports suggest it was only Rogelio Armenteros who raised red flags. A controversial interpretation: Was this caution justified, or did the Orioles let a future ace slip through their fingers?**
Valdez has since become a cornerstone of the Astros’ success, while Armenteros’ career fizzled out after just five MLB appearances. J.D. Davis, another player in the proposed trade, blossomed into a productive infielder with the Mets. It’s impossible not to wonder: What if Valdez and Davis had developed in Baltimore instead? A question for debate: Could their presence have accelerated the Orioles’ rebuild, or would they have struggled in a different system?
The Astros won the 2017 World Series without Britton, and Valdez has been a key figure in their dominance ever since. For the Orioles, it’s a reminder that prospect evaluation is an inexact science. One final thought: In a sport where every decision matters, how much should teams trust their instincts versus medical reports? Let us know your take in the comments!
