Orioles could explore 'dramatic pivot' with Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman

Orioles could explore 'dramatic pivot' with Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

At 14-15, the Baltimore Orioles are not where they want to be. There's still time for things to change this year, but future seasons should also be considered.

There are two players' futures in particular to focus on: Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, writes Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer.

"There's also a ticking-clock element here that can't be ignored," Rymer wrote Thursday. "Without extensions in place for Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, the Orioles may have to consider an even more dramatic pivot if wins don't come before their club control expires."

Henderson has two more seasons left on his contract after 2026. Rutschman's free agency will arrive one offseason sooner.

Both the shortstop and catcher were pivotal in Baltimore's rise from the bottom of the AL East to 101 wins in 2023 and back-to-back postseason appearances.

"It nonetheless matters that the Orioles haven't changed their stripes since the season started. Projection models never saw them as more than a mid-tier contender," Rymer added. "And while their playoff odds at have increased, that has more to do with the struggles of the and Blue Jays."