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 career. 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. That year, he posted a 122 wRC+ and 4.7 fWAR, compared to a 120 wRC+ and 4.8 fWAR in 2025. And this is the part most people miss: While those numbers are impressive, they pale in comparison to his 2024 breakout season, where he delivered 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. He explained, ‘I just wasn’t able to hold the plane… my body was adjusting, not feeling great. It didn’t set me up to leverage the ball like I normally do.’ Despite the injury, he played in 154 of 155 games after returning from the IL on April 4. Here’s the question: Should the Orioles have shut him down earlier, especially given their early exit from playoff contention? Or was it the right call to let him play through the pain?
Henderson insists there are ‘no excuses’ and that he’s ‘looking forward to being healthy this year and getting back to my normal self.’ 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 here’s a thought-provoking twist: What if the shoulder injury was a symptom of a larger issue—overuse or mismanagement? It’s a debate worth having in the comments.
Now, let’s shift gears to Framber Valdez. The Orioles’ interest in the free-agent southpaw isn’t new. Did you know? In 2017, the Astros were ready to send Valdez—then a Double-A prospect—along with J.D. Davis, Jason Martin, and Rogelio Armenteros to Baltimore in exchange for closer Zack Britton. The deal fell apart at the last minute, reportedly due to the Orioles’ medical concerns about Armenteros. Here’s the kicker: Valdez went on to become a cornerstone of the Astros’ dynasty, while Armenteros’ career fizzled out after just five MLB appearances. Was Baltimore’s caution justified, or did they miss out on a future ace?
It’s easy to play armchair GM now, but at the time, Valdez was far from a sure thing. Plus, former Orioles owner Peter Angelos was notoriously cautious about pitcher health, which likely influenced the decision. Still, it’s fascinating to imagine how Valdez and Davis—who later thrived with the Mets—might have reshaped Baltimore’s rebuild. What do you think? Would Valdez have developed the same way in the Orioles’ system? Or is Houston’s success with him a product of their environment?
As the Orioles look ahead to 2026, the possibility of adding Valdez to their rotation remains tantalizing. Pairing him with a healthy Henderson could be the spark the team needs to return to contention. But here’s the ultimate question: Are the Orioles learning from their past mistakes, or are they still too cautious for their own good? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
