Anthony Volpe of New York Yankees (Image via Getty) A scenario where Gunnar Henderson leaves the Baltimore Orioles and signs with the New York Yankees while Anthony Volpe struggles at shortstop is hypothetical. It does not reflect the current contract or roster situation in early 2026. Henderson remains under team control in Baltimore, and Volpe is still the Yankees’ starting shortstop.Still, the scenario helps explain how teams think about long-term roster decisions. Henderson has already developed into one of the most productive young infielders in baseball. Volpe, meanwhile, has become a reliable defensive shortstop whose offensive performance has been less consistent. Comparing their production and roles shows how such a move could affect both teams.
The New York Yankees’ shortstop situation and Baltimore’s young star
The New York Yankees entered 2026 with Anthony Volpe as their starting shortstop. The roster also includes several infield options such as Amed Rosario, Jose Caballero, Paul DeJong, Max Schuemann, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Ryan McMahon. Volpe’s defense has been steady and he has shown occasional power, but his overall offensive numbers have been uneven.Baltimore’s situation is different. Gunnar Henderson has become one of the main players in the Orioles’ young core. He has produced strong offensive numbers while playing both shortstop and third base. If he ever reached free agency, he would fit the profile of the type of infielder the Yankees often pursue: a young player who can produce offensively and play a premium position.
Gunnar Henderson’s performance through 2025
Gunnar Henderson of Baltimore Orioles (Image via Getty)
Gunnar Henderson’s early career numbers show why he is viewed as a franchise player.Across his first four seasons through 2025, he has produced consistent power, on-base ability, and speed. • 2023-2025 regular season line with Baltimore: • 2023: 28 HR, 10 SB, .814 OPS • 2024: 37 HR, 21 SB, .281/.364/.529, .893 OPS • 2025: 17 HR, 30 SB, .274/.349/.438, .787 OPS • 4-year totals: 86 HR, 62 SB, .270/.347/.484, .831 OPSHis contact quality has also remained strong. In 2025 his average exit velocity was around 92 mph and his hard-hit rate was close to 50 percent. Those numbers usually belong to players who hit in the middle of the lineup.
Anthony Volpe’s development and the New York Yankees’ decision point
Anthony Volpe’s career has taken a different path. His defense at shortstop has been dependable, and his range and positioning have helped the Yankees on that side of the ball.At the plate, the results have been mixed. Through 2025 he showed around 20-home-run power and continued to contribute on the bases. The main issue has been maintaining a higher batting average and on-base percentage.If that trend continued into 2026, the Yankees could eventually face a decision. They could keep Volpe at shortstop and accept average offense, or they could pursue another impact infielder and move Volpe into a different role.
How a Henderson signing could affect the Yankees’ infield
If Gunnar Henderson eventually reached free agency, his contract would likely be among the largest deals for an infielder.Possible structure: • Contract length: 10-12 years • Annual value: among the highest for infielders • Long guarantees with possible opt-out clausesAdding Henderson would also affect the Yankees’ infield alignment. The current group includes Volpe at shortstop, McMahon at third base, and several players who can move around the infield.
With Henderson on the roster, the Yankees could:
• Use Henderson at shortstop or third base • Move Volpe to second base or a utility role • Use McMahon more flexibly depending on performance
Team-by-team implications
New York Yankees
Pros • Adds a young infielder who produces power and plays on the left side of the infield • Improves lineup balance with a left-handed hitter • Allows Volpe to contribute defensively without carrying the offenseCons • Large long-term financial commitment • Possible defensive adjustments if Henderson eventually moves to third base • Future overlap with prospects such as George Lombard Jr.
Baltimore Orioles
Pros • Payroll flexibility if the team decides not to match a large contractCons • Loss of a key player in his prime • Possibility that he joins a division rival • Difficult to replace that level of production
Gunnar Henderson
Pros • Opportunity to sign one of the largest contracts for a young infielder • Plays for a franchise with high visibility • Offensive numbers could benefit from the home ballparkCons • Increased expectations in New York • Regular games against his former team • Pressure tied to a long contract
Offensive production comparison through 2025
PlayerTeam (2025)202 AVG2025 OBP2025 SLG2025 HR20255 SBCareer OPS (through 2025) Gunnar Henderson Orioles .274 .349 .438 17 30 .831 Anthony Volpe Yankees ~.212 low .290s high .300/.400 range 19 double-digit SB below .800 OPS
Career snapshot through 2025
PlayerTeamSeasonsCareer AVGCareer HRCareer SBAwards / Notes Gunnar Henderson Orioles 4 .270 86 62 AL Rookie of the Year, Silver Slugger Anthony Volpe Yankees 3 low .220s mid-30s HR total strong SB totals defense-focused shortstop with power and speed
Overall outcome of the scenario
If the Mew York Yankees signed Gunnar Henderson in free agency, they would add one of the most productive young infielders in the league. Anthony Volpe could remain on the roster in a different role where his defense and speed still provide value.Also read: MLB trade rumors: Atlanta Braves linked with $38.5 million Boston Red Sox star pitcher after Jurickson Profar suspensionFor Baltimore Orioles, losing Henderson would be difficult, especially if he joined a division rival. For Henderson himself, the move would likely mean a major contract and a central role on a high-profile team.