Orioles star Gunnar Henderson launched a leadoff home run in the first inning of Baltimore’s 2-0 victory over the New York Yankees on Monday night, making history in the process and improving his already hot start. Henderson, who is two months’ shy of celebrating his 23rd birthday, is now the youngest player to hit 10 home runs before May 1.
That’s a very specific stat, of course, but it’s a great jumping-off point to look at the way the infielder has leapt out of the gates in what is already his third Major League season, and second in full.
The reigning American League Rookie of the Year is slashing .289/.352/.632 and leads the AL as the only player to break double-digits in the longball department. He’s also the leader in runs and total bases. Henderson has stolen six bases, only four off his mark from all of 2023. His WAR already sits at 2.0, highest among AL position players and his slugging percentage is at the top of the charts.
His 10 April round-trippers are the third-most for any Oriole in April, trailing only Brady Anderson (11 in 1996) and Frank Robinson (10 in 1969).
Henderson’s contributions have helped Baltimore build up a 18-10 record and positioned them atop the American League East with the New York Yankees. They’ve also helped ease the pain of Jackson Holliday’s rough start and build excitement that this could be a special season for the O’s.
