The Baltimore Orioles and shortstop Gunnar Henderson have been having a great 2024 campaign. Baltimore currently has a record of 43-22, which is the 3rd best record across Major League Baseball. The 22-year-old Henderson is one of the big driving forces for the O’s success this year. He is having an MVP-caliber season so far, launching 21 home runs and adding 46 RBIs.
Baltimore is proving that last season’s division title and 100 wins were no fluke. This team has outstanding young talent with Gunnar Henderson and company. Henderson has made the Orioles one of the most fun teams to watch in the MLB. They have elite power, speed, youth, and pitching. With another year of experience, there is no doubt that the Orioles are a legitimate contender to win the World Series.
Gunnar Henderson Leading the Orioles
https://gty.im/2157015120
Since winning American League Rookie of the Year in 2023, Gunnar Henderson has only gotten better. Henderson has racked up 46 RBIs to go along with 21 home runs. He is currently in a race with New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge for the home run lead.
To go along with these home runs and RBI numbers, Henderson’s batting average has dramatically improved from a year ago. It has been hovering in the high .270’s most of the year, while last year it was 20 points lower at .255. Being just 22 years old, but he looks to be one of the future faces of baseball.
A lot of times when there is a rookie that has a breakout year, that following offseason the league figures out how to pitch to him. This can lead can lead to a sophomore slump. Not with Henderson. Henderson is currently on pace to hit 52 home runs and 115 RBIs. If he achieves this, he would join Alex Rodriguez as the only shortstop to hit 50 or more home runs in a single season. He also has a great eye at the plate; drawing 37 walks which puts him in the top 10 across baseball in that category.
Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees In the AL East Division Race
https://gty.im/2151266907
The Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees are in a battle for the American League East crown. Baltimore won the division last year while New York won it the year prior. Now, each team is loaded with firepower and have been within a few games of each other all season.
Currently, the Yankees have a division lead of 2.5 games. It’s only June, but I expect this race to be tight all the way to the finish line. The Yankees have established superstars all over the place with Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Gerrit Cole, who is just returning back from injury.
The Orioles may not have as many big names because of how young they are, but there is no doubt they have their own set of star power. Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Ryan Mountcastle, and Corbin Burnes are all all-star caliber players. All of these players are under 30 years old if they are able to keep them together, this Oriole core will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. It’s going to be an exciting race between these two ball clubs.
About the Author
Cory is an Oregon Duck alumni from the San Francisco Bay Area. He has been playing, watching, and following basketball + baseball his whole life. Follow Cory on X @cory_pappas1 for more breaking stories and game previews.
For More Great Content
Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
