Scouting Report: Ixan Henderson

Summary

Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles shortstop, is experiencing a significant early-season slump through May 2026. With a .211/.269/.421 batting line and 91 wRC+ overall, Henderson has been particularly struggling since April 15 with an OPS of just .580 and batting averages dipping into the .190s. The 25-year-old, who was expected to be a cornerstone of the Orioles' lineup after a solid World Baseball Classic showing, has acknowledged his poor performance, stating he's "been pretty terrible for about a month now." However, there are signs of potential improvement, as Henderson has been working on his two-strike approach and plate discipline, showing better swing decisions and pitch recognition in recent games. He ranks 329th of 343 players in two-strike batting average but feels he is turning the corner. Possible residual effects from previous injuries (oblique strain in 2025 and shoulder impingement) may be contributing factors, though this is not definitively established.