The Baltimore Orioles' recent history is riddled with injury woes and what-ifs, but could a return to form be on the horizon? The team's hopes for a successful season may hinge on the health of a key player and a potential blockbuster trade.
Gunnar Henderson, the Orioles' star infielder, has been a consistent performer in his three full Major League seasons. His 2025 campaign saw him hit .274 with a .349 OBP and .438 SLG, including 17 home runs in 651 plate appearances. These stats are remarkably similar to his 2023 performance, which earned him the AL Rookie of the Year award. However, his 2025 numbers represent a slight dip from his stellar 2024 season, where he posted a 154 wRC+ and 7.9 fWAR.
But here's where it gets controversial: Henderson's 2025 season was marred by injuries. He missed the majority of Spring Training and the start of the regular season due to an intercostal strain, but that's not all. In a recent interview, Henderson revealed he battled a previously undisclosed shoulder impingement for about three-quarters of the year. This injury affected his swing, but he still managed to produce solid results. Henderson's resilience is admirable, but one can't help but wonder how much higher his numbers could have soared without the injury.
The Orioles' handling of Henderson's injury is also a point of contention. Despite the issue, Henderson played in all but one game after returning from the IL in April. Given the team's early exit from playoff contention, it's reasonable to question why they didn't reduce his playing time or shut him down altogether. Was the team's decision a calculated risk or a sign of mismanagement?
Looking ahead to 2026, Henderson predicts good health, which could be a game-changer for the Orioles. But the team's fortunes may also depend on another factor: the acquisition of Framber Valdez. The Orioles have been linked to the free agent left-hander, and it's not the first time they've shown interest. In 2017, the Astros nearly traded Valdez, along with J.D. Davis, Jason Martin, and Rogelio Armenteros, to Baltimore for Zack Britton. However, the deal fell through at the last minute due to medical concerns over Armenteros, who had a brief and unremarkable MLB career.
And this is the part most people miss: Valdez has since become a cornerstone for the Astros' success, while Davis thrived after being traded to the Mets. The Orioles' front office, including current president of baseball ops Mike Elias, was part of the Astros organization at the time. One can't help but wonder if the Orioles' recent struggles could have been different had they acquired Valdez and Davis back then. It's a fascinating what-if scenario that highlights the unpredictability of player development and the impact of trades.
So, as the Orioles look to bounce back from a disappointing 75-win season, the question remains: Will Henderson's health and the potential addition of Valdez be enough to propel the team back into playoff contention? And what might have been if the 2017 trade had gone through? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
