Gunnar Henderson gets Braves legend comparison from MLB analyst

The Baltimore Orioles drafted Hunnar Henderson in 2019, and since making his debut for the American League team in 2022, Henderson has been one of the most sought-after shortstops in MLB.

Henderson made an instant impact in his rookie year in 2023, winning the AL Rookie of the Year award unanimously. He built on his stellar rookie year with another standout season in 2024, earning his first All-Star selection.

Henderson topped the MLB Network's Top 10 Shortstops Right Now list after hitting .281 with 37 homers last season. He has the most home runs (64) among shortstops since 2023, along with the best WAR (15.2).

MLB analyst Mark DeRosa lavished praise on the 23-year-old rising star, comparing him to Atlanta Braves legend Chipper Jones. He said on the MLB Network:

"I had a lot of ex-teammates call me. When I compared him to Chipper Jones, they go, 'Wow, that's a big ask.' He reminds me so much of Chipper Jones the way he takes his at-bats. Chipper hurt his knee early in 1995 and tore his ACL or he would have been a stolen base monster as well. He runs the bags with his hair on fire, he plays the D. He kind of sets the tone for what the Orioles are about."

Chipper Jones started his MLB career at shortstop but played multiple positions, most notably third base, for the Atlanta Braves, the franchise he represented throughout his 19-year-long stint.

The former MVP and eight-time All-Star became a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2018 and the Orioles fans will be over the moon if Gunnar Henderson can replicate some of the achievements of the MLB icon.

MLB analyst ranks Kansas City Royals star over Gunnar Henderson

MLB's The Shredder ranked Gunnar Henderson as the best shortstop even though Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. had a remarkable 2024, finishing second in AL MVP voting behind Yankees superstar Aaron Judge.

While The Shredder ranked Witt Jr. fourth in the list behind Henderson, Corey Seager and Francisco Lindor, MLB analyst Mark DeRosa and host Brian Kenny picked the Royals star as their top pick for the best shortstop in MLB.

"Listen, certain guys are just different. I was fortunate to play in the big leagues for a long time. Bobby Witt Jr. and my man here, Ellie De La Cruz, move differently than the rest, no question."

Although Gunnar Henderson doesn't hit free agency until he turns 28, the Orioles are reportedly looking to offer a lucrative extension, which won't be easy given Henderson is a client of super agent Scott Boras.