The Baltimore Orioles have been the topic of appreciable commerce hypothesis this offseason, with star shortstop Gunnar Henderson rising as one of many largest names doubtlessly out there.
Nevertheless, Baltimore’s entrance workplace is pushing again on the suggestion that its younger stars are being actively shopped.
The Orioles have already demonstrated a willingness to make tough choices, buying and selling former franchise cornerstone Adley Rutschman to the Boston Pink Sox in August.
Now, president of baseball operations Mike Elias has addressed the potential of one other blockbuster involving Henderson, providing some reassurance to followers involved in regards to the crew’s future.
Whereas Elias acknowledged that Baltimore is listening to provides, he made it clear that transferring key gamers just isn’t the group’s precedence.
Orioles’ Mike Elias Addresses Gunnar Henderson Commerce Rumors
Hypothesis surrounding Henderson intensified after a November 2 report from Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner.
Based on Kostka’s sources, Baltimore was keen to entertain commerce discussions involving practically everybody on its roster, with first baseman Pete Alonso rising because the lone exception.
That doubtlessly included Henderson, a former American League Rookie of the Yr and one of many franchise’s most recognizable gamers.
Nevertheless, being keen to hearken to provides doesn’t essentially imply Baltimore is raring to make a deal.
Talking on the Normal Managers Conferences in Las Vegas on November 10, Elias addressed the hypothesis straight.
“Quite a lot of our key, core gamers are most unlikely to go wherever,” Elias mentioned, in response to MLB.com’s Jake Rill.
Elias defined that the entrance workplace routinely discusses potential transactions with different organizations, notably when gamers aren’t signed to substantial long-term contracts.
These conversations, nonetheless, shouldn’t be mistaken for an energetic effort to maneuver these gamers.
The chief emphasised that Baltimore isn’t essentially motivated to commerce anybody just because opposing groups have expressed curiosity.
For Henderson, that implies a transfer would require a unprecedented supply.
Whereas it doesn’t sound like Elias is actively attempting to maneuver Henderson, a commerce doesn’t appear to be utterly off the desk both.
Orioles Count on Gunnar Henderson to Bounce Again in 2027
The commerce hypothesis comes after a disappointing season for Henderson and the Orioles.
The 25-year-old shortstop appeared in 158 video games in 2026, batting .225 with 24 house runs, 59 RBIs, and a .712 OPS.
These numbers represented a big step backward from his MVP-caliber 2024 marketing campaign.
Baltimore additionally missed the postseason for the second consecutive yr, regardless of investing in a number of established veterans forward of the 2026 season.
The disappointing outcomes have understandably raised questions in regards to the path of the franchise.
Nevertheless, Elias stays assured that Henderson can rediscover the shape that beforehand made him one in every of baseball’s most fun younger stars.
The chief acknowledged that Henderson handled bodily points in the course of the season, even whereas remaining within the lineup frequently.
He additionally indicated that Baltimore intends to assist Henderson’s offseason growth slightly than instantly pursue a commerce.
That strategy is smart contemplating the shortstop stays below crew management by means of the 2028 season.
Buying and selling Henderson now might enable Baltimore to accumulate appreciable expertise in return, however it will additionally imply surrendering a confirmed younger participant earlier than his prime years are over.
It additionally would possibly imply totally accepting defeat with the present iteration of the roster and ranging from scratch.
Total, it is a consequential offseason for the Orioles. Whereas it doesn’t sound like they’re attempting to explode the roster, the entrance workplace is retaining its choices open.
The place it goes subsequent might be value monitoring carefully.
Like HEAVY’s content material? You should definitely observe us.
This text was initially printed on HEAVY
The put up Orioles Government Sends Sturdy Message on Gunnar Henderson Commerce Rumors appeared first on HEAVY.