Ryan Mountcastle discusses Orioles, AL East and what makes him say, 'Oh no, here we go' about Gunnar Henderson (Exclusive)

The Baltimore Orioles no longer sneak up on anyone. They are the American League East’s defending champions, are leading the division again and have one of the baseball’s most talented rosters, stacked with 20-somethings who were high draft picks.

This weekend, they’ll take on the second-place New York Yankees, the traditional behemoths of the East whom the Orioles already have beaten five of seven times in 2024.

Baltimore has four All-Stars this year, including shortstop Gunnar Henderson and catcher Adley Rutschman, both of whom will start for the AL. Henderson is a legitimate MVP candidate and ace Corbin Burnes has a shot to win his second Cy Young Award in four seasons.

The Orioles, who were upset last year in the playoffs by the eventual champion Texas Rangers, are determined to get further this postseason, perhaps to the World Series for the first time in 41 years.

Among the players who have experienced pronounced losing in Baltimore and are now enjoying prosperous times is first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, who was a first rounder in 2015, led a 110-loss club with 33 homers in 2021 and is now a fixture in the middle of the lineup. He was a finalist for a starting spot on this year’s All-Star Team but lost the popular vote in Phase 2 to Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and ultimately didn’t make the AL squad.

Ryan Mountcastle Exclusive

Mountcastle, 27, sat down for a Q&A to discuss his team, his season so far and the emerging superstar, both offensively and defensively, that is Henderson.

Editor’s note: The following has been edited and condensed.

Game-wise, the baseball season is more than half over. How would you characterize 2024 so far for you and for the team?

It’s been good. So long as the team is winning, that’s all I really care about. I feel like the whole year, at least for myself, I’ve been pretty consistent. And just being out there and being healthy is a huge thing for me. So, if I don’t get any hits in a day, I’m just trying to play good defense, or vice versa. Just trying to go out there every day and play hard. That’s all I can control.

You were a shortstop when you were drafted and played several positions in the minors. First base has stuck, last year you were a finalist for a Gold Glove, and it seems like this year you’ve raised your defensive play again. Do you feel that way?

Yeah. I’ve put a bunch of practice in after finally finding a home over there at first. I think anybody can improve with (a steady position), and I just work really hard at it each and every day. That always helps.

What were the nuances you worked on at first?

First-step quickness. Trying to get the balls in the hole or balls down the line and good footwork around the bag. Besides that, just get a bunch of reps to try and get better overall.

One of the unique things about the Orioles infield is that all four starters and the two reserves are all former shortstops, including yourself. Is that odd to you?

I feel like most of these guys growing up as kids are going to be the shortstop of their teams. It’s where the most athletic guys play. So, if you can play shortstop you can sort of play everywhere. Growing up, playing shortstop as a kid, helps you all around the diamond.

Looking at this team, it’s attempting to repeat as division champions, something the organization hasn’t done since 1973-74. Is winning the division again a primary goal?

Each day, you’re trying to win a game. Go out there and try not to do too much, just take it pitch by pitch and wherever we land at the end of the year, that’s where we land.

Do you feel as the division winner last year, the bull’s eye is on you now?

Yeah. This division is probably the best in baseball. You are always going to have a lot of good teams. I wouldn’t necessarily say we’re being chased because every team in this division is so good. We are just going to do our thing.

The Orioles have four 2024 All Stars. Do you still believe the club is underrated as a whole?

Yeah. I mean, we have a lot of players that are deserving to go to the All-Star Game. But for us to have four is huge. Four is more than I’ve seen most years with this team (the Orioles also had four in 2023, but one each from 2017 to 2022).

Let’s talk about one of those All Stars, shortstop Gunnar Henderson. What’s your take on what he has been able to do at 23 and in his second full year?

It’s unbelievable. It seems like every time he comes up to the plate it’s a rocket somewhere. His approach, his work ethic, his everything. He’s already a true pro at such a young age. It’s really impressive to see.

You know how hard it is to keep consistency at the plate. He’s been incredibly consistent for a full calendar year now. How is he doing it?

Like I said, it’s just him being a pro each and every day, He goes about his routine. He tries not to change up too much. Whenever you can do that and be confident in what you are doing, it will really help your success. He is staying level-headed, working each day, and it’s so fun to watch.

Besides that unsightly mustache, does Henderson seem like he’s only 23 to you?

(Laughs.) No. He’s wiser than his age. He’s a great kid, a great person, a great friend. I have nothing bad to say about the kid.

What about fielding his throws at first? He’ll make an incredibly difficult stab and then unleash a rocket at you.

I know, right? He can throw the ball really hard. Sometimes, I’ll see his neck veins start popping out and I’ll be like, ‘Oh no, here we go.’ And I try not to break my glove. It’s unbelievable the plays he makes. He’s really good at defense, too.

Could you see him as the AL MVP when everything shakes out at the end of the year?

That would be awesome. I’m rooting for him. Obviously, there’s a lot of season to go and he knows that. But he could do it, and I’m definitely in his corner.

You know, the only Oriole to ever win Rookie of the Year one season and MVP the next was another young shortstop named Cal Ripken Jr. He did OK for himself.

Yep. (Laughs.) That would be pretty good company.

How about another Orioles’ All Star? This is your first year playing with and behind Corbin Burnes. What’s it like having him on the mound?

When he goes out there you know he’s got unbelievable stuff and he’s been a great addition to this team. On the mound, he doesn’t look like a fun at-bat and I’m happy he is on our side.

Anything else about this team and the upcoming Yankees series?

We’re just enjoying each other every day and are excited to keep it rolling.