The Baltimore Orioles made significant moves this offseason to rebound from their tough 2025 campaign. After missing the playoffs and seeing several top players underperform, they opened their wallets to bring in big names like Pete Alonso, Shane Baz, and Taylor Ward. However, there's a looming question about their superstar, Gunnar Henderson, who might soon test the waters of free agency.
According to Ken Rosenthal, it's unlikely that Henderson will sign a new contract before hitting free agency. Represented by Scott Boras, known for guiding his clients to the open market, Henderson's situation is drawing attention. Boras' strategy typically involves securing top market value, making a pre-free agency extension seem improbable.
Rosenthal suggests that the chances of the Orioles locking in Henderson are slim. Even if the team were to offer a substantial contract, say $250 million, getting it done at that number is far from guaranteed.
The Orioles have a couple of years before Henderson becomes an unrestricted free agent, but the clock is ticking. If they can’t secure a deal, trading him might become a consideration.
The odds of Gunnar Henderson signing a long-term extension with the Orioles are likely "extremely low," says @Ken_Rosenthal. pic.twitter.com/HPYG7tKO08
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 31, 2026
Henderson, turning 26 this season, remains a crucial piece of the Orioles' puzzle, especially as they eye a return to the postseason in 2026. His stellar 2024 season was a standout in recent franchise history, and another impressive performance could push ownership to dig deeper into their pockets.
As the Orioles continue their series with the Rangers on Tuesday, the future of Gunnar Henderson remains a key storyline for fans and the franchise alike.