Gunnar Henderson won't be a free agent for three more years, but the Baltimore Orioles are trying to lock him up on a long-term extension, with MLB insider Ken Rosenthal saying the chances are extremely low.
What happened?
The Orioles are attempting to sign Gunnar Henderson to a long-term deal, but Rosenthal's comments suggest it's unlikely to happen.
Gunnar Henderson's agent is Scott Boras, who is known for guiding his clients to test the open market instead of signing long-term deals.
Why it matters for Gunnar Henderson
Henderson recently stated he is open to a new contract whenever the Orioles are ready to discuss it, and with his impressive performance, including winning the American League Rookie of the Year award and a Silver Slugger award in 2023, he should be in for a big payday.
As of March 31, 2026, Rosenthal mentioned the odds of Gunnar Henderson signing a long-term extension with the Orioles are extremely low.
What comes next?
The Milwaukee Brewers just signed Cooper Pratt, also a Boras client, to a new deal, although Pratt has yet to make his MLB debut, which may indicate a different approach for Henderson's negotiations.
Gunnar Henderson turns 25 years old in June and was part of Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, adding to his value as a player.
And with his young age and impressive awards, including making the AL All-Star team in 2024, Gunnar Henderson's future in baseball looks bright.
But the question remains whether he will sign a long-term extension with the Orioles or test the open market in the future.
So the Orioles will have to wait and see how the negotiations play out, with Rosenthal's comments indicating a low chance of a long-term deal.
Gunnar Henderson's performance on the field will likely continue to impress, with his Silver Slugger award and AL All-Star team appearance in 2024 showcasing his skills as a player.