It was no surprise to see Bobby Witt Jr. get the start at shortstop for Team USA on Friday night when they opened the 2026 World Baseball Classic against Brazil, but the Baltimore Orioles felt slighted that Gunnar Henderson didn't get the nod over Alex Bregman at third base or Brice Turang at second base. That changed on Saturday night when Henderson started in place of Witt against Great Britain, and was a spark plug.
In USA's 9-1 win on Saturday night, Henderson went 4-for-5 with a double and 2 RBI. After a 2025 season that saw a regression in power from the Orioles shortstop, Saturday was a reminder of how dangerous Baltimore can be if Henderson is once again.