Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson has expressed a strong desire to represent Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, the 23-year-old emphasized that donning the red, white, and blue is a significant career aspiration.
“Anytime you have a chance to do that, it’s pretty special,” Henderson said. “That’s something that I definitely look forward to and hopefully can do one day in the future.”
Despite the competition at shortstop from players like Trea Turner, Bobby Witt Jr., and Mookie Betts, Henderson’s performance makes a compelling case for his inclusion. As of May 20, 2025, he has appeared in 40 games this season, posting a .253 batting average with 7 home runs, 13 RBIs, and 4 stolen bases. His OPS stands at .757, reflecting his balanced offensive contributions.
Since his MLB debut in 2022, Henderson has accumulated a .266 career batting average, 76 home runs, 205 RBIs, and 35 stolen bases. Although he faced challenges returning from an early-season injury, Henderson remains optimistic about the Orioles’ prospects.
“Just stick with us,” he encouraged fans. “I know it’s hard right now. But we’re going to get it going. And it’s going to be a good ride at the end of the year.”
With his power, speed, and defensive prowess, Henderson is poised to be a valuable asset for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.