![\"Gunnar](\"https:\/\/gsp-image-cdn.wmsports.io\/cms\/prod\/bleacher-report\/getty_images\/2176406308_large_cropped.jpg\")
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The Baltimore Orioles<\/strong> received a significant revelation this week that sheds new light on what went wrong\u2014and what could go right\u2014in the seasons ahead. Gunnar Henderson<\/strong>, the Orioles\u2019 star shortstop and franchise cornerstone, disclosed that he played through a shoulder impingement for most of the 2025 MLB season<\/strong>, a factor that clearly impacted his performance during a frustrating year for both player and team.<\/p>\n Henderson made the revelation during an appearance on WBAL Radio\u2019s \u201cOrioles Hot Stove Show,\u201d<\/strong> as reported by MASNsports.com\u2019s Roch Kubatko<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI had a shoulder impingement pretty much for three-quarters of the year,\u201d Henderson said. \u201cI\u2019m sure that didn\u2019t help, either.\u201d<\/p>\n 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Surprisingly, Gunnar Henderson\u2019s regression<\/strong> was not near the top of the team\u2019s list of problems. Even while compromised physically, Henderson remained one of Baltimore\u2019s most productive hitters and a steady presence in the lineup. Still, for a player accustomed to All-Star caliber production, the dip was noticeable.<\/p>\n Now, with the benefit of hindsight, Henderson\u2019s injury revelation reframes much of the conversation around his 2025 performance\u2014and raises important questions about player health management within the organization.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI could never get to the spot that I wanted to get to with my swing,\u201d Henderson said. \u201cBut no excuse. Just had to play through it.\u201d<\/p>\n 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\u2019s willingness to grind through pain reflects the leadership qualities teams covet in a franchise player.<\/p>\n 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<\/strong> with a .787 OPS<\/strong>, tallying 17 home runs, 34 doubles, and 30 stolen bases<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Those numbers are especially impressive considering the physical limitations he faced for much of the year. Henderson\u2019s combination of power, plate discipline, and speed remained evident, underscoring just how high his ceiling remains when healthy.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The revelation is likely to evoke mixed reactions among Orioles fans. On one hand, Henderson\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s competitive drive and the culture of toughness that Baltimore has worked to cultivate.<\/p>\n Assuming a return to full health, Gunnar Henderson could be positioned for a breakout 2026 season<\/strong>\u2014potentially one of the best by a shortstop in the American League.<\/p>\n The former 2023 Silver Slugger<\/strong> and 2024 All-Star<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Adding to the optimism is a significantly improved Orioles lineup. The offseason acquisitions of Pete Alonso<\/strong> and Taylor Ward<\/strong> should provide Henderson with far more protection in the batting order, reducing the pressure to carry the offense on his own.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n While Henderson\u2019s 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\u2019s depth and resilience.<\/p>\n Baltimore\u2019s success in 2026 may hinge on whether the organization can keep its core players healthy while integrating new talent effectively. Henderson\u2019s recovery will be closely monitored during spring training, as his health is central to the team\u2019s competitive hopes.<\/p>\n The Orioles are set to report to spring training in Sarasota, Florida<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n All signs point toward a rejuvenated Gunnar Henderson<\/strong>, one eager to put the frustrations of 2025 behind him and reassert himself as one of baseball\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Beyond the stats, Henderson\u2019s 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\u2014a role that often demands sacrifice.<\/p>\n As the Orioles look to reestablish themselves as contenders, Henderson\u2019s resilience could serve as a rallying point for a young roster aiming to take the next step.<\/p>\n If 2025 was a year of survival, 2026 could be a year of dominance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":137546,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-137543","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\nContext Behind a Disappointing Orioles Season<\/h3>\n
![\"Orioles](\"https:\/\/platform.camdenchat.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2025\/10\/gettyimages-2237637909.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,6.1810836338696,100,78.54558903413\")
<\/p>\nPlaying Through Pain: Henderson Explains the Struggle<\/h3>\n
Production Despite the Injury<\/h3>\n
![\"Gunnar](\"https:\/\/img.mlbstatic.com\/mlb-images\/image\/upload\/t_2x1\/t_w1536\/mlb\/koiptrdbinu082acvptx.jpg\")
<\/p>\nFans React: Encouragement and Concern<\/h3>\n
Gunnar Henderson Poised for a Monster 2026 Season<\/h3>\n
Injury Concerns Still Linger in Baltimore<\/h3>\n
Spring Training Expectations and Renewed Optimism<\/h3>\n
Bigger Picture: Leadership and Legacy<\/h3>\n