Bettors won't be able to wager on the 2023 American League Rookie of the Year prop until at least next winter at various sportsbooks, but the potential if not likely favorite'is expected to make his big-league debut tonight in Cleveland. The Baltimore Orioles are calling up infielder Gunnar Henderson as they make a Wild-Card push in the final month. The O's are +380 long shots at Caesars to reach the postseason.'
MLB.com ranks Henders on as the No. 2 overall prospect in the sport'behind Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (who might have debuted in September if not for an injury) but a few other reputable sites and experts have him at No. 1.
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Henderson was a second-round steal in the 2019 draft by the Orioles. In that same draft, Baltimore took Arizona State catcher Adley Rutschman at No. 1 overall, and he was the top overall prospect in MLB before being called up earlier this year and is a legit 2022 AL Rookie of the Year candidate — but a +300 second favorite behind Seattle's Julio Rodriguez (-400).
Henderson, who at age 20 (since turned 21) was the youngest player at Triple-A when he was promoted in June, posted a .947 OPS with 19 homers in 112 games across Double-A and Triple-A this season. Over 503 combined plate appearances at those levels, Henderson hit .297/.416/.531 with 22 steals in 25 chances. He's a natural shortstop who hits left-handed but should get mos t of his time this year at third.