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Gunnar Henderson 2023 MLB Player Outlook: ROY Favorite Needs to Keep Ball in Air
2 years agoAfter a breakout 2022 season that propelled him to the top of prospect lists across the industry, Gunnar Henderson enters the 2023 season as the Baltimore Orioles starting third baseman and as a front-runner for the American League Rookie of the Year. The 21-year-old finished the season with the Orioles in 2022, posting a 126 wRC+, smacking four home runs in 132 plate appearances. However, as was a concern in his entire 2022 season from the minors to the majors, Henderson hit entirely too many of the balls he put into play on the ground, with a 59.8% ground ball rate. Even though he had an above-average 9.8% barrel rate, 92.4 MPH average exit velocity, and 53.7% hard-hit rate, his launch angle was significantly below average. With a slight adjustment, Henderson could have a high-average profile with 20+ home run pop and double-digit stolen base potential. With third base a position with a very steep dropoff after the top tier of players, Gunnar could be a smart play for fantasy managers who miss out on a top-rated player at the hot corner in drafts this season.
