Early offseason chatter has put the Orioles in the middle of all kinds of trade speculation, but one name appears to be a long shot to move: Gunnar Henderson.
Jake Rill of MLB.com recently took on the idea of Baltimore dealing the star infielder, and his read was clear. “It seems highly unlikely the Orioles would trade Henderson,” Rill wrote in a recent article. “… It would take a huge offer to pry him away from Baltimore.”
That lines up with the reality of Henderson’s contract situation. He still has multiple years of team control left, which makes him a difficult player to pry loose even if the Orioles are looking to shake up a roster that followed a mediocre 2026 season.
Henderson did have his moments last year, but the production wasn’t at the level he’s set for. The 2024 All-Star hit .225 with a .712 OPS in 2026, while also adding 24 home runs and 10 stolen bases.
Even so, the more likely path may be patience rather than action. If Baltimore believes Henderson can get back to his All-Star form, waiting another year or two would only strengthen its position. A big 2027 season, followed by no extension, could set up a trade next offseason with a much better return.
For now, though, the message is simple: the Orioles would need a “huge offer” to even start seriously considering it. Barring something unexpected, Henderson looks set to be back in the Orioles lineup when the 2027 season opens.
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For Baltimore, the appeal is obvious: turn an area of depth into a chance to address a separate need, especially on the pitching side. Elias has worked with Miami before, and that history only adds to the sense that this is a path worth watching as the trade market develops. Names like Sandy Alcantara or Eury Perez fit the kind of upside the Orioles might chase, even if nothing has moved beyond the speculative stage so far. [Read more 🡒]