Orioles Star Shortstop Gunnar Henderson Reveals He Played Through Shoulder Injury During 2025 MLB Season

The Baltimore Orioles received a significant revelation this week that sheds new light on what went wrong—and what could go right—in the seasons ahead. Gunnar Henderson, the Orioles’ star shortstop and franchise cornerstone, disclosed that he played through a shoulder impingement for most of the 2025 MLB season, a factor that clearly impacted his performance during a frustrating year for both player and team.

Henderson made the revelation during an appearance on WBAL Radio’s “Orioles Hot Stove Show,” as reported by MASNsports.com’s Roch Kubatko. The 24-year-old admitted that the injury lingered for nearly three-quarters of the season, forcing him to adjust his swing mechanics and play through ongoing discomfort.

“I had a shoulder impingement pretty much for three-quarters of the year,” Henderson said. “I’m sure that didn’t help, either.”

While Henderson was quick to avoid making excuses, the admission provides valuable context for a season in which he looked noticeably different from the elite player who finished top 10 in American League MVP voting in consecutive years.

Context Behind a Disappointing Orioles Season

The 2025 campaign was a deeply disappointing one for the Orioles, who entered the season with postseason aspirations but failed to meet expectations. Injuries, inconsistent pitching, and offensive struggles plagued the roster, leading to widespread frustration among fans and analysts alike.

Surprisingly, Gunnar Henderson’s regression was not near the top of the team’s list of problems. Even while compromised physically, Henderson remained one of Baltimore’s most productive hitters and a steady presence in the lineup. Still, for a player accustomed to All-Star caliber production, the dip was noticeable.

Now, with the benefit of hindsight, Henderson’s injury revelation reframes much of the conversation around his 2025 performance—and raises important questions about player health management within the organization.

Playing Through Pain: Henderson Explains the Struggle

During the interview, Henderson explained how the shoulder injury affected his mechanics at the plate. Known for his powerful left-handed swing and elite bat speed, the shortstop struggled to consistently reach the positions he relies on to generate maximum force.

“I could never get to the spot that I wanted to get to with my swing,” Henderson said. “But no excuse. Just had to play through it.”

That statement encapsulates the mindset that has made Henderson a fan favorite in Baltimore: accountability, toughness, and an unwavering commitment to his team. While some fans may question whether the Orioles should have shut him down during a lost season, Henderson’s willingness to grind through pain reflects the leadership qualities teams covet in a franchise player.

Production Despite the Injury

Even at less than full strength, Gunnar Henderson still produced a season that many players would consider a career highlight. In 2025, he slashed .274/.349/.438 with a .787 OPS, tallying 17 home runs, 34 doubles, and 30 stolen bases.

Those numbers are especially impressive considering the physical limitations he faced for much of the year. Henderson’s combination of power, plate discipline, and speed remained evident, underscoring just how high his ceiling remains when healthy.

For comparison, many elite shortstops around the league struggle to contribute consistently across all five tools even at full strength. Henderson did so while managing an injury that directly impacted his swing mechanics.

Fans React: Encouragement and Concern

The revelation is likely to evoke mixed reactions among Orioles fans. On one hand, Henderson’s ability to produce despite the injury should inspire optimism about his future. On the other, questions will inevitably arise about why the organization allowed its most valuable position player to play through such a condition during a season that ultimately fell short of expectations.

In modern MLB, where load management and injury prevention are increasingly prioritized, allowing a cornerstone player to push through a lingering shoulder issue carries inherent risk. However, it also highlights Henderson’s competitive drive and the culture of toughness that Baltimore has worked to cultivate.

Gunnar Henderson Poised for a Monster 2026 Season

Assuming a return to full health, Gunnar Henderson could be positioned for a breakout 2026 season—potentially one of the best by a shortstop in the American League.

The former 2023 Silver Slugger and 2024 All-Star has already demonstrated MVP-level ability when healthy. With the shoulder injury behind him, Henderson should once again be able to fully leverage his natural power, quick hands, and elite plate approach.

Adding to the optimism is a significantly improved Orioles lineup. The offseason acquisitions of Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward should provide Henderson with far more protection in the batting order, reducing the pressure to carry the offense on his own.

More runners on base, fewer intentional walks, and better pitches to hit could all translate into a surge in home runs, RBIs, and overall offensive production.

Injury Concerns Still Linger in Baltimore

While Henderson’s outlook is encouraging, injury concerns remain a broader issue for the Orioles. The starting pitching rotation has been particularly affected over the past two seasons, testing the team’s depth and resilience.

Baltimore’s success in 2026 may hinge on whether the organization can keep its core players healthy while integrating new talent effectively. Henderson’s recovery will be closely monitored during spring training, as his health is central to the team’s competitive hopes.

Spring Training Expectations and Renewed Optimism

The Orioles are set to report to spring training in Sarasota, Florida, in February, and expectations are already building. Following a lively offseason and renewed sense of direction, Baltimore should enter camp with a noticeably different energy.

All signs point toward a rejuvenated Gunnar Henderson, one eager to put the frustrations of 2025 behind him and reassert himself as one of baseball’s premier shortstops. If his shoulder is truly healthy, fans can expect sharper at-bats, increased power, and the confident swagger that defined his earlier success.

Bigger Picture: Leadership and Legacy

Beyond the stats, Henderson’s decision to play through injury speaks volumes about his character and leadership. At just 24 years old, he has already embraced the responsibility of being the face of the franchise—a role that often demands sacrifice.

As the Orioles look to reestablish themselves as contenders, Henderson’s resilience could serve as a rallying point for a young roster aiming to take the next step.

If 2025 was a year of survival, 2026 could be a year of dominance.