The Orioles have officially selected the top prospect’s contract Gunnar Henderson. Infielder on appropriate plays Tyler Nevin became optional on triple-A and right-handers Denyi Reyes was designated for assignment.
There was widespread speculation that Henderson would earn his first MLB promotion when the rosters expanded on Sept. 1, although the Orioles qualified the infielder for inclusion on a postseason roster with Henderson’s call to the major leagues today should Baltimore continue their surprising season with a playoff spot.
Henderson, a second-round pick for Baltimore in the 2019 draft, only played 29 rookie league games that season and then of course didn’t play at all in 2020 due to the canceled minor league campaign. In his first real pro season, Henderson played well enough to jump from A-ball to Double-A in 2021, and it put him on the top 100 prospect radar for the 2022 season.
Fast-forward to August, and the 21-year-old is now the top prospect in the sport in the eyes of Baseball America, with MLB Pipeline’s Henderson in second and Fangraphs in fifth. Over 503 combined plate appearances at the Double-A and Triple-A levels in 2022, Henderson has hit .297/.416/.531 with 19 homers and 22 steals in 25 chances.
In addition to his power, speed, and striking tools, Henderson is also an accomplished field player with a plus throwing arm. Drafted as shortstop, Henderson has looked good at the position, but he’s also seen plenty of time as a third baseman this season and also played a handful of games at first and second base. The Orioles have so many other promising young infielders (eg Jordan Westburg, Jackson holiday) in the pipeline that the team is trying to be flexible in determining the ideal future position for these prospects, and Henderson’s use could also hint at how the O’s will use him during the stretch run of the 2022 season.
The left-hander who beats Henderson could spell anyone Ramón Urias, Jorg Mateoor Ryan Mountcastle (all the right bats) at third, short, or first base, and Henderson could also be taking away game time Rough smell at second base. Henderson certainly won’t be called up on the bench, and he could quickly become a fixture if he performs well on his first look at major league pitching.
Of course, it’s not a given that Henderson will get off to such a quick start, as countless top prospects have taken some time to adjust to the Majors. In Henderson’s case, his high strikeout rate among the minors is something of a red flag, though he scaled back his swing-and-miss in 2022 compared to 2021. He’d also posted huge BABIP numbers in the minors, but Henderson’s speed (and ability to hit grounders) is certainly a factor in those BABIP totals beyond batted-ball fortune.
These are heady times for the Orioles, who have emerged from years of the rebuilding doldrums to post a 67-61 record and be in contention for a wildcard spot. Adley traction man — an exception to the credo “top prospects usually take time to adjust” — has already emerged as one of baseball’s best catchers, and other novices like it Felix Bautista, Dean Kremerand Kyle Bradish have played a paramount role in the team’s success. Kyle Stowers and Terrin Vavra are two other rookies who made their MLB debut in 2022, and Henderson is just one of several other top prospects waiting to emerge from Baltimore’s loaded farm system.
As recently noted by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Henderson will retain his rookie status into 2023 if he receives fewer than 13o at-bats, and thus the Orioles can continue to benefit from the prospect promotion initiative included in the new collective agreement. This would put the O’s in line for a bonus draft pick if Henderson remains on the active roster for the entire 2023 season.
Reyes made his major league debut this season, posting a 2.35 ERA in three appearances in 7 2/3 innings. Reyes was a starter in the Red Sox and Orioles’ farm systems for much of his seven-year pro career. He hasn’t had much consistency at either the Double-A or Triple-A levels, and he has a 7.50 42-inning ERA with Baltimore Triple-A affiliates this season.
Reyes has conceded 10 homers in those 42 frames, continuing a long-ball problem that has now surfaced for the past two seasons. Giving up more homers has wiped out the gains Reyes has had with his strikeout rate, and he’s had an excellent all career with a tiny 1.4 BB/9 during his 584 1/3 innings in the minor league control shown.