Does Henderson want to stay with the Orioles for the long-term? | MAILBAG

Question: You recently posted Gunnar Henderson’s remarks at the Birdland Caravan that he was excited talking to Pete Alonso about his experiences in a big market. Further, when asked about whether ownership’s willingness to spend impacted his thoughts about his long-term future in Baltimore, he praised ownership but didn’t talk about his future with the Orioles. Should such responses (or non-responses) indicate that he is on his way out of town when he becomes a free agent? From: Tim Fowler

Answer: Tim, I think you’re reading too much into Henderson’s answers. Some players answer those questions the way he did, others express their happiness with the Orioles and how they’d be eager for a long-term commitment.

Neither means they’re going to stay with the Orioles for an extended period or that they’re eager to leave.

It’s not Henderson’s style to speak grandly about himself or the team, and while he would command an enormous contract in terms of years and dollars to stay in Baltimore, it’s not out of the question.

However, his agent, Scott Boras, doesn’t usually favor extensions ahead of free agency. Henderson isn’t eligible for free agency until after the 2028 season.

My advice to Oriole fans is to enjoy the 2026 season, which is a critical one for the team, and think about the future after the season.

Question: Is Ike Irish going to be at spring training? I live in Tampa and watched every Auburn game on ESPN + and think you got a good one in Ike? Will he report with the catchers or is he projected to be an outfielder? From: Greg

Answer: Greg, I’m not sure if Ike Irish is going to be invited to major league spring training. We should find out the answer this week.

Irish, the Orioles’ highest draft pick, played only 20 games for Delmarva last season, and if he is invited to camp, I wouldn’t imagine he’d stay long.

He’ll surely play in the Spring Breakout game on March 20^th against the Red Sox prospects, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was an extra player for occasional Grapefruit League games.

I imagine he’d be considered mainly a catcher since the Orioles traded Caden Bodine, who was drafted after him, to Tampa Bay in the deal for starting pitcher Shane Baz.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.