Author: Yahoo Sports

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

Gunnar Henderson is gearing up for what could be a defining season in his young MLB career. Coming off a breakout year in 2024, the Orioles' shortstop is striking a pose on the cover of "MLB The Show" alongside two other breakout stars, Paul Skenes and Elly De La Cruz. 

On the latest episode of "Baseball Bar-B-Cast," hosts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discussed with Henderson how a spotlight moment such as this is both a privilege and a pressure. As Mintz quipped, "You are the first Gunnar in MLB history.” 

While his name might be unique, Mintz and Shusterman both believe that Henderson’s on-field impact is poised to transcend novelty.

[Read more: The top 50 people who will impact the 2025 MLB season]

The art of facing aces and staying cool

Facing off against MLB’s hardest throwers is never easy, a fact Henderson knows all too well. In the episode, he reflected on a memorable matchup against Pirates ace Paul Skenes.

Henderson said his strategy involves maintaining calm under pressure, focusing on timing rather than trying to out-pace the pitcher. This is a vital skill for someone who might face Skenes more often as both players continue to rise. Mintz and Shusterman emphasized Henderson’s disciplined approach at the plate, underscoring his potential to evolve into a key player for the Orioles. 

The trio also discussed the palpable camaraderie within the Orioles’ locker room. Teammates such as Adley Rutschman and Jordan Westburg represent a new wave of youthful energy congregating in Baltimore — something that Shusterman said might be overlooked but is "central to the rebuilding narrative."

Team dynamics and hitting the right notes

Henderson’s off-the-field relationships reflect the kind of ethos the Orioles need. His friendship with the light-hearted Colton Cowser is a case in point. Although the two are polar opposites personality-wise, Henderson said he values their interactions, which bring levity and unity to an otherwise intense environment. 

“It’s easier to face the long season when you’ve got a guy like Cowser who’s eternally optimistic,” Henderson said.

Looking ahead, it’s not only about Henderson's individual accolades but also the role he plays as a catalyst for his team’s performance. Mintz’s bold prediction that Orioles pitchers and hitters might combine for 500 home runs this year puts some tangible numbers behind the hype. If Henderson steps up, the offensive fireworks could be a reality, not just a fantastical prediction.

Is Henderson ready to assume the mantle of the next big baseball star? The Orioles’ hopes might very well hinge on it. As Shusterman put it, Orioles fans, "get ready for a season of surprises." 

Henderson's trajectory is not just about outperforming expectations but also about setting a new standard for rising talent in MLB.

To hear the full interview with Gunnar Henderson, tune in to "Baseball-Bar-B-Cast" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

As Opening Day of the 2025 MLB season looms, Baseball Bar-B-Cast hosts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman are bringing us their bold predictions for 2025. 

Here’s a run-down of the audacious forecasts they’ve made before the season begins on Thursday.

American League

1. Ben Rice hits four homers in a game: Jordan predicts that the New York Yankees' Ben Rice will have a rare four-homer game, a feat not seen since 2017.

2. Orioles combine for 500 home runs: The Orioles’ pitchers and hitters are predicted to collectively achieve 500 home runs, a rare statistic seen only in the 2019 juiced ball season.

3. Red Sox break doubles record: Expect the Boston Red Sox to set a record for doubles in a season, surpassing the 376 doubles recorded by the 2008 Rangers.

4. Bo Bichette's big contract: Toronto's Bo Bichette is predicted to perform so well that he lands a $250 million contract in the next offseason.

5. Tampa Bay Rays’ unique scenario: We could see a unique scenario similar to the Danny Jansen incident, in which a player is traded and plays for both teams in a game that is suspended and completed later.

6. Payton Eeles leads Twins in stolen bases: Although he's currently injured, Eeles is predicted to lead the Minnesota Twins in stolen bases.

7. Sean Burke vs. Garrett Crochet: The Chicago White Sox’s Sean Burke will have a lower ERA than new Boston Red Sox starter Garrett Crochet.

8. Bobby Witt Jr. reaches 12 WAR: Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. will record a 12-WAR season, a level not seen since Barry Bonds.

9. Detroit Tigers have three All-Star starters: Tarik Skubal, Jackson Jobe and Casey Mize will all become All-Star pitchers.

10. Austin Hedges avoids worst hitter spot: Hedges, a common fixture among the bottom three MLB hitters, avoids being one of the five worst hitters this season.

National League

1. Mike Soroka gets Cy Young vote: Even with Soroka's limited games, he’s predicted to earn at least one Cy Young vote.

2. Grant Holmes meets Danny McBride: Holmes will get the chance to meet the actor who portrayed Kenny Powers from "Eastbound and Down" thanks to their resemblance.

3. Valente Bellozo throws 200 innings: Velozo, who has never pitched more than 110 innings in the minors, is predicted to reach 200 innings pitched.

4. Jose Iglesias’ playoff appearance: Iglesias will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a playoff game.

5. Brandon Marsh changes his look: Marsh will surprise fans with a haircut.

6. Nolan Arenado’s postseason homer: Arenado will hit a postseason home run ... but for which team?

7. PCA’s steal on Jackie Robinson Day: Pete Crow Armstrong will steal home against lefty Yuki Matsui on a meaningful day.

8. Paul Skenes' dog's first pitch: Skenes' dog, Roux, is predicted to throw out a ceremonial first pitch.

9. Elly De La Cruz wins MVP: Elly is predicted to win NL MVP while leading the league in strikeouts, a rare feat.

10. Contreras brothers on the Brewers: The Brewers will trade for Wilson Contreras to pair with his brother, William.

10 more bold predictions

1. Cam Smith’s home run feat: Jordan believes Houston’s Cam Smith will hit more homers than Kyle Tucker.

2. Rowdy Tellez out-homers the Pirates: With his new team in Seattle, Rowdy Tellez is predicted to hit more home runs than any Pirate.

3. Sebastian Walcott’s rise: Rangers prospect Walcott will play more major-league games than the more seasoned Evan Carter in 2025.

4. Kyle Hendricks’ hit bonanza: Angels starter Kyle Hendricks is predicted to allow 15 hits in a game.

5. Sacramento's dual-team player: An unusual crossover occurs in which a player appears in games for both the Sacramento River Cats and the Athletics.

6. Yuli Gurriel’s unique homer: The Padres’ Yuli Gurriel is predicted to homer off a pitcher who wasn't born when he debuted.

7. Buster Posey spotting: Giants POBO Posey is predicted to be seen in baseball pants, despite his current role in the front office.

8. "Snakes Alive" city connect: Arizona’s new uniforms will give a nod to the "Snakes Alive" fan sign.

9. Colorado Rockies' futile effort: The Rockies will not beat the Dodgers in any game.

10. Shohei Ohtani’s name tribute: Ohtani is predicted to give his child a name inspired by his buddy Mike Trout.

Whether these prophecies come true remains to be seen. For more on these predictions and the season ahead, tune in to "Baseball-Bar-B-Cast" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.