Orioles’ Henderson could be in line for $14.1 million salary in 2027

Gunnar Henderson had the worst statistical season of his career, hitting .226 with a .715 OPS, 24 home runs and 60 RBIs. Henderson, who made $8.5 million is in line for a handsome raise to $14.1 million in his second season of arbitration eligibility according to MLBTradeRumors.com

The Orioles have seven arbitration-eligible players, and two of them didn’t play a game for the club, third baseman Jordan Westburg, who had Tommy John surgery in May and reliever Codi Heuer.

Westburg is estimated to receive $1.5 million in his first year of arbitration eligibility, while Heuer, who spent three days on the active roster last month, but didn’t appear in a game, would get $1.1 million. ‘

Félix Bautista, who pitched in two games in September will be a free agent a year from now. Bautista, who spent nearly all the season rehabbing from rotator cuff and labrum surgery will make an estimated $2.4 million in 2027. His 2026 salary was $2.25 million.

Centerfielder Colton Cowser is projected to earn $2.2 million in his first arbitration-eligible year. Cowser’s 2.5 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) trailed only Pete Alonso’s 4.9 and Henderson’s 3.2.

Cowser hit .226 with a .687 OPS, 13 home runs and 40 RBIs.

Outfielder Leody Taveras, who signed a $2.1 million as a free agent last November could be in line for a $3.7 million contract in his final year of arbitration-eligibility.

Taveras hit .219 with a .633 OPS, eight home runs and 56 RBIs.

Right-hander Albert Suárez, who had six stints with the Orioles, is also eligible for arbitration. He’s estimated at $1.1 million.

Last year, the Orioles declined to offer Suárez a major league deal, but he signed a minor league contract in December. Suárez pitched in 28 games, with a 3-0 record, a 3.86 ERA and a save.

It seems that Heuer, Suárez and Taveras could all be candidates for non-tenders next month, allowing them to be free agents.

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