In a country with so many elite professional baseball players, everyone wants to play in the World Baseball Classic, but the United States team has a problem that others would like to have: there are too many prestigious players fighting for the same position. In other words, there are so many players playing the same position that the Stars and Stripes could well form three true ‘championship’ teams.
Henderson raises his hand
The Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson is one of many who have expressed their enthusiasm and interest in joining the United States national team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, which will be played from March 5 to 17 in stadiums in Miami and Houston in the United States, San Juan, Puerto Rico and Tokyo, Japan, and will see its final game at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida
This is what Henderson himself said in an interview with TMZ Sports: “I would gladly accept the invitation, as long as I have the opportunity to do so (…) it is very special. It’s something I’m definitely looking forward to and hopefully I can do someday in the future,” he said about the possibility of joining the team that coach Mark DeRosa is preparing to face this tournament.
Henderson and his ‘competition’ in the position
The problem Henderson has in front of him has a name, or rather names, because before him in his position are monsters such as Trea Turner, Bobby Witt Jr. and Mookie Betts. Although he is not ruled out, it seems unlikely that the Orioles player will have a chance, especially because he is coming off an injury, and despite his .266 batting average with 76 home runs, 205 RBIs and 35 stolen bases since his professional debut in 2022.
But for the Montgomery, Alabama native, nothing is impossible, and wanting to be part of a team representing his country speaks well of him and his professionalism. Anything can happen.
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