Stating Their Case: Vote Adley and Gunnar??
SS Gunnar Henderson
At just 23 years old, Gunnar Henderson is putting together one of the most impressive first-half performances in Orioles history. He currently leads MLB in bWAR (6.0), fWAR (6.0), and runs (72), and ranks among AL leaders in slugging (2nd, .615), OPS (2nd, 1.002), extra-base hits (2nd, 46), and total bases (2nd, 193). He is one of just two qualified hitters with an OPS over 1.000. His 26 home runs trail only Yankees slugger Aaron Judge (30) for the MLB lead and are tied for the fifth-most by an Oriole before the All-Star break in team history. Of those 26 home runs, 25 have come out of the leadoff spot, while an MLB-best eight have been leadoff blasts. He is currently riding a career-best 34-game on-base streak, the longest active streak in MLB and longest by an Oriole since Nick Markakis had a 38-game streak in 2009.
Henderson¡¯s dynamic skillset has also been on display in the field and on the bases. He has anchored the Orioles¡¯ defense with his stellar play at shortstop, leading the team and ranking tied for fifth among MLB shortstops with five Defensive Runs Saved. He went 13-for-13 in stolen base attempts to open the campaign, tying the club record for the most successful stolen base attempts to start a season.
Henderson has established himself as an MVP candidate at the halfway point of the season, but needs Birdland¡¯s help to earn his first career All-Star selection. Vote Gunnar at Orioles.com/AllStar.
*Stats as of Thursday, June 27
C Adley Rutschman
Adley Rutschman has been one of Baltimore¡¯s most consistent performers since making his debut two years ago, and that has continued to be the case in 2024. He leads qualified AL catchers in home runs (15), hits (95), runs (43), average (.300), slugging percentage (.479), OPS (.830), and RBI (55), and ranks second in on-base percentage (.351). His 28 multi-hit games this year are the most by any catcher in the majors and rank second overall in the American League. Behind the dish, Rutschman has guided an Orioles pitching staff that ranks third in MLB with a 3.37 ERA. He has also been one of the best blocking catchers in baseball, ranking in the 98th percentile with 11 Blocks Above Average, per Statcast.
Rutschman is seeking his second straight All-Star nod after returning home to the Pacific Northwest for last year¡¯s Midsummer Classic but needs your help to secure his first starting assignment. Vote Adley at Orioles.com/AllStar.
*Stats as of Thursday, June 27