Braves Need To Get Orioles On Phone To Discuss Trade After Latest Report
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson
The Atlanta Braves need to find an answer at shortstop, and the trade market could provide them with it.
The Braves re-signed Ha-Seong Kim last offseason, but he suffered an offseason injury and missed a chunk of the season. He did not play well when he was healthy, and Mauricio Dubón essentially saved the Braves from disaster in the infield.
However, Dubón is a free agent, and there are a few star shortstops who could be available via trade. There are rumors that Otto Lopez, Elly De La Cruz, Jeremy Peña and CJ Abrams could be available. However, there is another star who could be on the move: Gunnar Henderson.
Henderson was an All-Star in 2024 and was great in 2025. However, he had a down year this year, and the Orioles are making everyone except Pete Alonso available this offseason, per The Baltimore Banner’s Andy Kostka.
"The Orioles are maintaining a willingness to listen in trade discussions on every player except Pete Alonso, the sources said, although that doesn’t guarantee drastic change," wrote Kostka. "The Orioles are at a critical juncture after having experienced two straight losing seasons. With general manager Jared Banner now aboard, he and president of baseball operations Mike Elias are evaluating many options. Sources noted that a trade involving shortstop Gunnar Henderson isn’t likely and would cost a steep returning price to Baltimore, but at this point, the Orioles are keeping their options open on all fronts."
While the Orioles may not be shopping their star shortstop, the belief is that he can be had for the right price. He posted a .226 batting average with a .715 OPS in what was his worst season as a big leaguer.
He started the season playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic and is still one of the best young stars in baseball. He is under club control through 2028 and would be a great addition to the Braves lineup. He would not be cheap, but he would fill the biggest hole on the roster.
More MLB: Blue Jays Cut Ties With Gold Glover After Just Two Seasons
Source: sports.yahoo.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.