Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who has a$ 756, 200 income this year, has a lot on the line in Monday evening’s Home Run Derby. The 23-year-old rising star has a chance to win the$ 1 million prize money while raising his profile and national exposure.
Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., another Oriole, you connect. In his first time playing in the major leagues in 1982, he made a small$ 40, 000 income. However, his commitment stipulated that he could receive a$ 100, 000 bonus if he won the American League Rookie of the Year, which he did, his first of many MLB honors.
” At that time ,]the extra cash ] was super meaningful”, Ripken said in a phone interview.
The same holds true for Henderson, the 2023 AL Rookie of the Year.

” It’s more than my yearly pay, so that would definitely help me in the savings ]account ] and down the road”, Henderson said of the potential HR Derby payday. ” That would be great. But at the same moment I’m doing it for the practice. If that’s what comes with it, I ca n’t complain about that, but just really looking forward to my first home run derby ever”.
This year, Henderson has 28 home runs, which is good for third most in the majors after Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani ( 29 ). In the derby, he will encounter seven different heavy hitters, including Pete Alonso, the first baseman for the New York Mets, who wants to win a second derby championship. Alonso, this year’s betting beloved, knows what it’s like to get Henderson. When he won his first tournament name as a freshman in 2019, the former second-round pull even made group required. Alonso reappeared the rewards of the$ 1,000,000 derby payday ( though he claims that he donated a portion of his earnings to causes like Tunnel to Towers and the Wounded Warrior Project ).
One of three Raptors competing in the Midsummer Classic, Henderson is hoping to achieve the same result as Alonso, which would give him yet another highlight halfway through his powerful junior plan. Even the runner-up prize check ($ 750, 000 ) would be appreciated. Henderson hopes to develop on the dazzling show that Adley Rutschman, a partner and brother All-Star Game basic, put on last year before falling in the first round after allowing 27 home runs while transfer hitting, could not match.
Rutschman has already given Henderson advice on how to find his pace since the rounds are longer than one would anticipate. It’s solid advice, something to be considered, especially with the new rules this year, which includes a pitch limit and delaying the ‘ knockout stage’ to the semifinals.
Before the start of the game, Henderson has chosen his former AAA minor league coach and Norfolk Tides manager Buck Britton as his starting pitcher.
” I’m actually going to go out on a limb and say that Gunnar Henderson, I think, has a really legit chance”, former MLB player turned ESPN analyst Eduardo Pérez said when asked to predict a winner. ” ] He] has a legit chance because he has power to all fields. In this new format, I think it’s a brand-new game for a lot of people”.
Since becoming a limited partner in the Orioles, Ripken, who won the derby in 1991, has better gotten to know Henderson. After producing a humorous commercial for Camden Yards in March that features Henderson telling a well-dressed Ripken sitting at a desk in the infield that his office is no longer shortstop and that he now works in the Warehouse, a brick building next to the ballpark where executive offices are housed, the two became closer. The 45-second clip provides Orioles fans with a good laugh and a glimpse into the franchise’s future both on and off the field.
The two enjoyed a good time bonded over this.
” I’ve enjoyed reliving my shortstop career through him”, Ripken said with a laugh.
Ripken, who as a player was 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, says he has spoken with Henderson, who is 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, about the intricacies of the shortstop position. After being the first player in franchise history to start his first three MLB games at shortstop, second base, and third base, he has settled in a prime position.
” He’s a thinker with tremendous skills”, Ripken said. He can play like a smaller person, agile enough to make running plays, and has a cannon for an arm. He’s the complete package”.
However, the 19-time All Star has n’t offered him any advice on how to win the derby and says he probably would n’t give him any advice if the chance came along. He mentions the changes in contest regulations in the last 30 years, saying it’s something you must experience for yourself. Ripken, however, anticipates being present at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas to support the shortstop who will represent the Orioles as the first team to capture the title since Miguel Tejada in 2004.
” The whole baseball world is watching you”, he said. ” It’s an opportunity to stand out. If you do well, by winning MVP of the]All Star Game ] or winning the derby, it raises your profile… But there’s no secret about Gunnar in baseball circles. He’s recognized, and it’ll be fun exposure for him”.
Surrounded by friends and family, including his dog, Chief, a German wirehaired pointer, who he has n’t seen since early spring training, Henderson is ready for the moment. He is aware of the financial benefits and potential marketing boost, but he is primarily focused on soaking up All-Star Weekend’s first performance.
That does n’t mean his competitive spirit wo n’t be flowing though. He’s already pictured himself bringing the Baltimore Home Run Derby trophy back.
” It would be a nice addition for all the boys to the clubhouse.”