Orioles analyst's bold take on Gunnar Henderson vs. Adley Rutschman in Baltimore's long-term plans

The Baltimore Orioles are one of the strongest teams heading into the 2025 season with a young core group of players led by Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman. The Orioles have made the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, although they have not quite fulfilled their potential as yet.

On Friday's episode of "The Ryan Ripken Show," MLB analyst Ryan Ripken said Baltimore will have to deal with the reality of offering long-term contract extensions to Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman in a few years. Ryan is the son of Baltimore Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr.

"When would the Orioles actually start making extensions, and who would be the first couple?" he said. "Take away Gunnar Henderson. It's not that I don't think he could stay here. They're really going to do everything they can, but who's his agent? Scott Boras. And what did Juan Soto just sign for? Scott's going to tell Gunnar he could be the first billion-dollar player.

"So, the question is who's the first one, and it feels like Adley; I think the Adley one gets done before the season starts. I think it makes the most logical sense. Three to five years, for me, with Adley."

Scott Boras is the agent of several top MLB superstars, such as Juan Soto, who signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets this offseason.

Gunnar Henderson is going to demand a lot of money: Ryan Ripken

Rutschman and Henderson were picked up by the Orioles in the 2016 MLB draft Image Source: Getty)

Ryan Ripken doesn't believe the Baltimore Orioles will be able to keep hold of Gunnar Henderson once he reaches free agency in 2029. He said it would take a massive sum to do so, even if they manage to negotiate a contract extension.

"Gunnar, last year in his first non-rookie season, still, in his rookie season, hit 28 jacks. Let's just put that out there: Gunnar had 37 home runs last year," Ripken said. "So, I don't think in the realm of a shortstop, and if Gunnar's defense gets back to a level, he's going to demand a lot of money."

Last year, Henderson batted .281/.364/.529 with 37 home runs, 92 RBIs and an OPS+ of 159.