Gunnar Henderson 'Undoubtedly' Needs to Play for Workforce USA in World Baseball Basic

If Team USA wants Gunnar Henderson in its infield during the 2026 World Baseball Classic — the Orioles superstar tells TMZ Sports he’d happily accept the invitation.

In fact, the Baltimore shortstop said in a sit-down with us on Tuesday it’s actually one of his career goals to suit up for the Red, White and Blue in the prestigious baseball tournament.

“Anytime you have a chance to do that,” he said of playing for America in the WBC, “it’s pretty special. That’s something that I definitely look forward to and hopefully can do one day in the future.”

Despite a slew of options for USA at short (Trea Turner, Bobby Witt Jr. and Mookie Betts should all be available), Henderson has as good a claim to the spot as anybody.

Since the 23-year-old made his debut for the O’s in 2022, he’s torn the cover off the ball — before Tuesday’s game against the Brewers, he owned a .266 batting average with 76 home runs and 205 RBIs. He added 35 stolen bases as well.

This year, though, he’s scuffled a bit in return from injury — but, then again, his whole Baltimore team has struggled to get off the ground in 2025. He, though, told us he’s expecting a turnaround shortly.

“Just stick with us,” he said in a message to his fans. “I know it’s hard right now. But we’re going to get it going. And it’s going to be a good ride at the end of the year.”