The Baltimore Orioles' 2025 season was a mixed bag of success and setbacks, with a few controversial twists. Let's dive into the key notes:
Gunnar Henderson's Impressive Season: Henderson, the talented infielder, continued his stellar form in his third full Major League season. With a .274/.349/.438 batting average and 17 home runs in 651 plate appearances, he mirrored his impressive 2023 performance that earned him the AL Rookie of the Year title. But here's where it gets interesting: his 2025 stats were slightly below his 2024 breakout season, where he posted a remarkable 154 wRC+ and 7.9 fWAR.
And this is the part most people miss: Henderson battled through injuries, including an intercostal strain and a previously undisclosed shoulder impingement, which he revealed affected him for most of the year. Despite the physical setbacks, he still managed to produce solid numbers, showcasing his resilience and potential.
A Missed Opportunity for Rest: Henderson's injury didn't land him on the injured list, and he played in nearly every game after his activation in April. Given the Orioles' early exit from playoff contention, one can't help but wonder if the team should have given Henderson more time to recover, especially with the shoulder issue.
Looking Ahead to 2026: With Henderson predicting a healthy season ahead, the Orioles are hoping to see the return of his 2024 form, which could be pivotal in their quest for playoff success. But is this a realistic expectation, or is it putting too much pressure on a player coming off an injury-plagued season?
Framber Valdez: The One That Got Away? The Orioles have been linked to free agent southpaw Framber Valdez, who could significantly strengthen their rotation. But did you know that Valdez was almost an Oriole in 2017? The Astros were prepared to trade him, along with three other players, for Zack Britton at the trade deadline. However, the deal fell through due to medical concerns over two players, one of whom was Valdez.
A Controversial Decision: The Orioles' then-owner, Peter Angelos, was known for his cautious approach to pitcher health, which may have influenced the decision to back out of the trade. But was it the right call? While Valdez's MLB career took off with the Astros, becoming a cornerstone of their success, the other players in the proposed trade had varying degrees of success. J.D. Davis became a productive infielder after being traded to the Mets, while Jason Martin was part of a package deal for Gerrit Cole. Rogelio Armenteros, the player whose medical concerns reportedly caused the trade to collapse, had a brief MLB career before undergoing elbow surgery.
The Butterfly Effect: It's fascinating to consider how different the Orioles' rebuild might have been with Valdez and Davis on the team. Would they have had a more successful season in 2017 and beyond? It's a reminder that the impact of trades and player acquisitions can have long-lasting effects, and sometimes the key figures are not always obvious at first glance.
What do you think? Was the Orioles' decision to back out of the trade a wise move, or did they miss out on a potential franchise-altering deal? Let the debate begin!
