The Baltimore Orioles' 2025 season was a mixed bag of resilience and setbacks, with a few surprises along the way. But here's where it gets intriguing: could a series of 'what-ifs' have altered the team's fate?
Gunnar Henderson, the star infielder, continued his impressive Major League journey in his third full season. His batting stats (.274/.349/.438 with 17 home runs) mirrored his stellar 2023 performance, which earned him the AL Rookie of the Year title. However, a closer look reveals a hidden struggle.
Despite his consistent performance, Henderson battled through an undisclosed shoulder impingement for most of the season, an issue he only recently revealed. This injury, coupled with an intercostal strain, hindered his performance, as he admitted to not being able to swing as effectively as he normally would. Yet, Henderson's determination to play through the pain resulted in a solid season, albeit a step back from his remarkable 2024 campaign.
Controversially, the Orioles' decision to keep Henderson in the lineup despite his injuries raises questions. With the team out of playoff contention early on, some argue that they should have prioritized his long-term health. But the Orioles' front office might have had their reasons, especially considering Henderson's importance to the team's future success.
Speaking of comebacks, the Orioles are hoping for a return to form from Henderson and Framber Valdez, a left-handed pitcher they've been linked to in free agency. This isn't the first time Baltimore has shown interest in Valdez. In a surprising revelation, it was reported that the Astros almost traded Valdez, J.D. Davis, Jason Martin, and Rogelio Armenteros to the Orioles for Zack Britton in 2017. The deal fell through due to medical concerns, with the Orioles wary of Armenteros' health.
And this is the part most people miss: the Astros, who went on to win the World Series that year, saw Valdez become a pivotal part of their success. Meanwhile, the Orioles entered a rebuilding phase, leaving fans to wonder what might have been. Could having Valdez and Davis on the team have changed the course of the Orioles' rebuild? It's a question that sparks debate among baseball enthusiasts.
While it's easy to second-guess past decisions, the Orioles' situation highlights the unpredictable nature of sports. What do you think? Were the Orioles right to pass on the trade, or did they miss out on a potential franchise-altering deal? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
