The Baltimore Orioles have had a difficult start to the 2024 season, with a 19-36 record placing them last in the American League East and trailing the New York Yankees by 16 games. This disappointing run recently led to the dismissal of manager Brandon Hyde. Amid the team’s struggles, Gunnar Henderson, the 2023 AL Rookie of the Year and 2024 All-Star, is working to regain his form following a start to the season slowed by an intercostal strain.
Henderson’s Performance So Far and Reflection on Early Struggles
Through the first 48 games, Henderson is batting .254 with a .318 on-base percentage and a .435 slugging average, including seven home runs and an OPS+ of 118. These numbers contrast with his outstanding 2023 campaign, where he hit 37 home runs, a franchise record for a shortstop, alongside an .893 OPS and a 158 OPS+. Henderson acknowledged the difficulty of his early-season hurdles, calling it “definitely a learning experience” and expressing hope for improvement as the season progresses.
It’s definitely a learning experience, because I’ve never had something quite like this,
Henderson told CasinoBeats.com.
I know it’ll ultimately help down the road. Hopefully (I’ll) get this thing turned around and have a great rest of the season.
—Gunnar Henderson, Orioles shortstop
Maintaining Focus and Team Spirit Despite the Setbacks
Despite the Orioles’ position near the bottom of the standings, Henderson emphasized the team’s goal to reach the playoffs for the third year in a row. He highlighted the importance of motivation during a tough season and the value of camaraderie within the clubhouse, especially as the long schedule takes its toll.
You definitely have to find ways to do that,
Henderson explained regarding staying focused throughout the season.
Especially on some of the day games on the back half of the season, it gets to be a grind at that time, but that’s when you enjoy being around the guys that you have in the clubhouse. They make life a lot easier whenever you’re enjoying being around them.
—Gunnar Henderson, Orioles shortstop
Managing Endurance and the Season’s Long Road Ahead
Henderson pointed out that the most challenging aspect is enduring the length of the 162-game season. He stressed the importance of maintaining physical health and being consistently ready to contribute, which he considers the best skill a player can have.
That’s the biggest thing is being able to take care of your body, to be ready to go on each and every day. I feel like that’s the best ability is availability. I know that’s said a lot, but it rings true, especially in a 162-game season.
—Gunnar Henderson, Orioles shortstop
The Road Forward for the Orioles and Henderson’s Personal Goals
With the Orioles far from contention, a return to the postseason this year would require a major turnaround. The team is expected to consider trading players at the deadline to rebuild. For Henderson, however, the focus remains on proving that he continues to be one of the top shortstops in the league despite the team’s struggles. His efforts during this challenging stretch will likely shape both his and the Orioles’ future as they aim to rebound in the coming months.