Things haven’t gone to plan in Baltimore. After a good season last time, the Baltimore Orioles came this year with big expectations. But now they are sitting at 13-20 and already five games behind the New York Yankees in the AL East. The momentum has stalled rather fast.

Still, even in the middle of this early-season debacle, there is one name that continues to shine, and that’s Gunnar Henderson.

The 23-year-old shortstop isn’t just holding steady in chaos—he is proving why he might be the most valuable asset in the Orioles’ young core. And while his numbers this season have dipped a little, he is still hitting .260 with a 113 OPS+. Plus, his track record speaks volumes. In just 369 games, Henderson has smashed 72 home runs and posted 139 OPS+.

That’s elite level, leading executives and insiders to take notice.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently dropped a detailed projection on which players could get the $600 million deal in the future. And he put Henderson’s name on that list! According to him, he could reach the $600 million deal when he reaches free agency after the 2028 season. “Henderson was the one player mentioned by every executive as the best bet to beat Soto,” Passan wrote, referring to that massive $765 million deal that Soto signed. But Passan did add, “And even then, executives said, it’s a long shot.”

Though it is a long shot, there is a case to be made here.

See, Henderson plays at a more premium position–at shortstop. And so even if he shifts to third base, the positional value still holds. In just two full seasons, he has already piled on 15 WAR. Also, including a nine-win campaign last year, something even Juan Soto has not accomplished. Of course, for a mega deal like that to happen, Henderson will need to keep being this consistent for more years. And if he does, the price tag may not be so far-fetched.

The real challenge is with the Baltimore Orioles front office, though. With Adley Rutschman, Jackson Holliday, and Henderson all set to demand top dollars, something has got to give. The Orioles also have not much interest in handing out massive contracts! Not yet, at least!

But one thing is for sure, Henderson’s value is soaring! ​​

Cedric Mullins is heating up just in time

While Henderson’s long-term payday might dominate the headlines now, there is another Baltimore Orioles player who is building a case of his own–Cedric Mullins. At 30 years old, Mullins is set to hit free agency this offseason. And he has chosen almost the perfect time to catch fire. He has been the team’s most consistent offensive performer this season. He posted a .255/.379/.491 slash line with a 154 OPS+.

His batting run value according to Baseball Savant is a +7. So he is essentially the best among everyone in the Baltimore lineup. He is tied for the team’s lead with seven home runs, leads with 21 RBI, and his 1.1 WAR also tops the squad. So, in short, he is that guy for the Baltimore Orioles.

Passan, too, listed Mullins in the contender tier to land a $100 million deal this offseason.

The only thing that is against him is his age. He is going to be 31 years old when he hits the free agent market, which might prompt the front offices to pause and think. But if Henderson continues producing such numbers, someone will pay up.

So while the Orioles’ season is not going anywhere, it’s not all gloomy there. Now the elephant in the room is — will the Baltimore Orioles pay to keep either of them?