Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson is determined to play a key role in returning his team to the postseason in 2026. After Baltimore missed the playoffs in 2025 despite high expectations, Henderson hopes to elevate his game by focusing on increasing his stolen bases. His ambition is to steal 40 bases next season, adding a critical element to the Orioles’ overall offensive strategy.
“Just get out there and run. That’s all I can do, right?”
Henderson said when asked about his goal of swiping 40 bases, according to MLB Network.
Growth in Base Stealing Reflects Henderson’s Evolving Game
Henderson’s desire to reach 40 steals follows a consistent upward trend in his base-stealing numbers through his first few seasons. In a limited 34-game stint in 2022, he stole one base. That total jumped to 10 in his 2023 Rookie of the Year campaign, increased further to 21 steals in 2024, and reached 30 in 2025. This progression demonstrates his expanding skill set and willingness to take risks on the basepaths, reinforcing his value beyond hitting and defense.
Henderson’s 2025 Season Hampered by Injury but Showed Resilience
At 24 years old, Henderson is preparing for his fourth full major league season. While his 2024 breakout had many optimistic about his trajectory—he finished fourth in the American League MVP voting—2025 proved more challenging. Battling a shoulder injury, Henderson’s performance declined somewhat; he managed a respectable .274/.349/.787 slash line with 17 home runs but fell short of replicating his 37-homer, .281/.364/.529 output from the year before.
Reflecting on his 2025 season, Henderson said,
“You can obviously look for excuses in the year, but that’s the reality of the situation. I feel like I went out there and worked my butt off everyday to do the best I could in my given circumstances.”
He added,
“I was proud of the way I went out there and just locked in focus wise each and every day. It sucks that we didn’t make the playoffs. But to be able to string together a decent year, I was pretty proud.”
Despite injury setbacks, Henderson’s resilience kept him performing at a high level, laying the foundation for a potential rebound next season if he remains healthy.
Impact and Future Expectations for Henderson and the Orioles
Henderson’s combination of power, speed, and run production makes him a significant asset for Baltimore’s ambitions moving forward. His goal of stealing 40 bases highlights his focus on complementing his offensive power with aggressive base running, which could create more scoring opportunities and put additional pressure on opposing defenses. If Henderson stays healthy and continues to develop, the Orioles are likely to benefit from his multifaceted contributions as they aim for a playoff return in 2026.
Moreover, Henderson’s rising profile as a top fantasy baseball pick underscores his significance within the sport’s broader landscape. For Orioles fans and baseball observers, his performance will be a critical story to follow as the team seeks to build on its potential and contend at a higher level.
"I really got honed in on hunting the ball as my prey, that was my thought process to slow myself down and get that good hop."
– @Orioles star Gunnar Henderson on his defensive adjustments at shortstop
📺 30 Clubs, 30 Camps pic.twitter.com/WpicM9OgHL
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 28, 2026
