Baltimore, MD – March 10, 2026 – Baltimore Orioles star shortstop Gunnar Henderson is making headlines not in Sarasota for Spring Training, but on the international stage. The 24-year-old delivered a standout performance for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic over the weekend, going 4-for-5 with two RBIs in a 9-1 victory over Great Britain on Saturday, March 7.
The performance immediately drew high praise from his MLB manager. “The guy is elite,” Orioles skipper Craig Albernaz told reporters, including MLB.com, adding that Henderson’s showing left him so excited he “couldn’t sleep.” Henderson’s hot start in the tournament is fueling optimism that he is primed for a major season as the Orioles look to contend in the AL East.
Henderson, the 2023 American League Rookie of the Year and a 2024 All-Star, is coming off a solid 2025 campaign where he hit .274 with 17 home runs, 68 RBI, and a career-high 30 stolen bases. His career totals through four MLB seasons stand at a .270 average, 86 home runs, 260 RBI, and 62 stolen bases.
The timing of his WBC surge is notable. Recent news reports indicate Henderson had a slow start to 2026 Spring Training with the Orioles, batting just .176 (3-for-17) in limited Grapefruit League action before joining Team USA. His explosive performance against Britain suggests he has quickly found his rhythm.
“It’s a great experience. Any time you can represent your country, it’s an honor,” Henderson said in a postgame interview captured by MLB.com. The win improved Team USA to 2-0 in pool play.
However, the news hasn’t been all positive for Orioles fans following Henderson in the tournament. Despite his four-hit game, he was not in the starting lineup for Team USA’s following game, a decision that sparked some backlash, as noted by Athlon Sports. The move was characterized as a “disappointing” update for fans hoping to see more of their star player on the international stage.
As the Orioles prepare for the 2026 season, Henderson remains a central figure in their aspirations. His combination of power, speed, and defensive ability at shortstop makes him one of the most valuable young players in baseball. His current contract situation is also a developing story; he is first-year arbitration-eligible this season and is not scheduled for free agency until after the 2029 season.
For now, the focus in Baltimore will be on whether Henderson can carry the momentum from his dominant WBC performance into the regular season and lead the Orioles back to the postseason.