Baltimore Orioles star infielder Gunnar Henderson had just one hit in Thursday’s game against the Boston Red Sox.
That hit, however, was a grand slam that virtually gave the O’s the cushion they needed to secure a 6-1 victory.
It was Henderson’s 18th homer of the year, and the four RBI took his season tally to an impressive 41.
You might be surprised to hear this, but he has gotten those totals out of the leadoff spot.
Leadoff hitters are usually expected to get on base to get the offense going.
Henderson, however, likes to take matters into his own hands.
You can call him an independent, self-sufficient player if you will but yes, he is his own offense most days.
In fact, he is currently on pace to shatter two records (both very recent) related to being a productive leadoff hitter.
“Gunnar Henderson is on pace for 54 HR & 123 RBI, out of the leadoff spot. Most HR in a season out of leadoff spot: 41, 2023 Ronald Acuña Jr. Most RBI (official since 1920) in a season out of leadoff spot: 107, 2023 Mookie Betts,” MLB stats expert Sarah Langs tweeted.
Gunnar Henderson is on pace for 54 HR & 123 RBI
out of the leadoff spot
most HR in a season out of leadoff spot: 41, 2023 Ronald Acuña Jr.
most RBI (official since 1920) in a season out of leadoff spot: 107, 2023 Mookie Betts pic.twitter.com/99NLs1PbMc
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) May 31, 2024
Henderson’s power pace is unreal.
He is currently projected to hit 54 long balls, which would be outstanding.
Not only that, but that would be a record for the first spot in the lineup in the history of the game.
His 123 projected RBI would also shatter last year’s record set by Betts.
We don’t know if he will get there or if he will cool off some at one point, but we don’t need to see more to anoint the reigning AL Rookie of the Year as one of the game’s brightest young stars.
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