Major League Baseball fans have reacted strongly this week after a staggering report revealed that 16.1 million parlays in 2025 narrowly failed by just one leg, resulting in an estimated $2.7 billion in lost winnings. Much of the backlash has pointed to Athletics slugger Brent Rooker, whose inconsistent performance has affected fantasy bettors across the board.
While Rooker has been praised by Pikkit Sports as the Salesman of the Year for his key role in these failed parlays, fans have also voiced mounting frustration directed at Baltimore Orioles star Gunnar Henderson, who is enduring a slump this season.
Fan Reactions Reflect Growing Frustration Over Players’ Inconsistent Performances
The social media response to the parlay report saw many fans sharing their personal losses and criticizing players whose performances have caused heavy setbacks in fantasy contests. Some targeted Gunnar Henderson directly, highlighting his 2025 slump as a thorn in their betting strategies.
“Gunnar henderson coming for the throne,”
one fan commented, referencing the Orioles’ infielder.
“Gunner Henderson and cooked me. Every time I say oh he’s due and he goes 0-3.”
Others expressed the emotional toll of fluctuating player forms. One user described the volatility of relying on Rooker:
“What’s crazy is Rooker was my go-to like a week ago. He couldn’t miss for like a week straight,”
Though the majority criticized these players, not all fans abandoned support. One loyalist stood up for Henderson, underscoring his unpredictable nature:
“He is a coin respecter. You guys need to get good. I will not let my goat be disrespected.”
Another fan shifted attention to Kyle Schwarber, noting that his impact on parlays rivals that of some entire economies:
“That’s crazy because Kyle Schwarber is responsible for selling enough parlays that, combined, would pay more than the GDP of entire countries.”
Examining the Causes Behind Declining Trust in Brent Rooker and Gunnar Henderson
Brent Rooker’s 2025 season continues to showcase solid numbers, including a .273 batting average with 21 home runs and 56 RBIs, maintaining the momentum from his 2024 All-Star campaign. However, bettors are wary because at critical moments when expectations are highest, Rooker seems to falter, causing several fantasy bets to collapse.
In contrast, Gunnar Henderson’s performance has noticeably declined compared to his MVP-level breakout in 2024. Starting the season with a batting average in the .170s, he has inched back up to .276 but with minimal power production, totaling only 11 home runs so far. This decrease significantly impacts home run parlay outcomes, leading to widespread disappointment among fans who had anticipated a stronger showing.
What This Means for Fantasy Bettors and the MLB Landscape
The struggles of Gunnar Henderson and the unpredictable streaks of Brent Rooker underscore the challenges faced by fantasy baseball enthusiasts relying on trending players. The dramatic loss of $2.7 billion in potential winnings highlights the risks embedded in betting tied closely to player performance fluctuations. For MLB fans and fantasy bettors alike, the ongoing slump of key sluggers like Henderson represents both a tactical setback and a growing source of tension ahead of the remainder of the 2025 season.
As the season progresses, bettors will likely remain cautious with these players, while the Orioles and Athletics organizations face pressure to help their stars regain consistency and confidence.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Gunnar Henderson wear #2?
A. He said he didn’t want the manager to watch him during training. He believed the manager would want to keep him.
He attempted to solve the issue before leaving for the season by informing the higher-ups that he needed to play football elsewhere.
He didn’t want to be stuck in a backup role on the team.
Q. Is Gunnar Henderson religious?
A. Gunnar Henderson, a talented high school athlete from Alabama, was expected to be chosen early in the draft. Facing the risk of this big career step was daunting, but Henderson decided to rely on his faith. He said, “If it’s God’s plan, the right team will want me. God supports me.”