Baltimore Orioles Young Star Predicted to be Breakout Star by MLB Execs

There is a lot of confidence from executives across the MLB that the Baltimore Orioles' young star will be the breakout player this season.

Mar 31, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) runs to the dugout before the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Orioles lost a disappointing game on Tuesday night against the Kansas City Royals, bringing their record to 3-2 on the season. Their inability to get anything going offensively was a concern, finishing the night with just three hits and one run.

Scoring hasn’t been an issue for the Orioles in the past year. Even in the early stages of the season, they’ve scored more than 10 runs in two of their five games, and six in another. 

After winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2023, Gunnar Henderson has picked up right where he left off. He’s slashing .278.381/.556 with one homer and a triple across 18 at-bats. 

The 22-year-old proved he belongs last season for Baltimore and MLB executives actually believe there’s more in the tank for him.

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, more than two dozen Major League executives were asked which player would have a breakout season in 2024. In response, executives voted for Henderson to be the breakout star of 2024, receiving the most votes out of any player in baseball. 

Henderson received one more vote than Vinnie Pasquantino of the Kansas City Royals and at least two or more votes than any other player.

When entering last season, Henderson was regarded as the No. 1 prospect in baseball by multiple outlets. Factor in his 28 home run rookie season with a 126 OPS+ and it’s clear that he’s one of the best young stars in the game.