Gunnar Henderson Battles Through Wrist Injury During Down Season

Gunnar Henderson carried a wrist injury through much of the 2024 season, a factor that appears to have weighed on one of baseball's most talented young shortstops. The Orioles' premium defensive player at the position appeared in just over 700 plate appearances but managed only a .226 batting average to go with a .311 on-base percentage and .404 slugging mark—a significant step back from what fans and analysts expect from him.

The offensive decline shows up starkly in advanced metrics. Henderson's weighted runs created plus, or wRC+, sat at just 102, barely above the league average of 100. For a player accustomed to performing at a much higher ceiling, the numbers represent a season unlike most others in his career. Yet his presence continued to provide value.

Defense kept his value afloat. Henderson's glove work at shortstop remained reliable enough to accumulate 3.7 wins above replacement according to FanGraphs. For a player at one of the most important defensive positions, solid defense can provide a floor even when the bat struggles. It's a reminder that not every season goes according to plan, even for elite talents.

The question now becomes whether Henderson will enter the offseason and spring training fully healthy. A wrist issue can linger if not properly addressed, and the Orioles will want to ensure their franchise position player is operating at full strength as they look to compete in the coming years. If the injury clears completely, a rebound to form remains quite plausible.

Source: original report ↗