Gunnar Henderson's bold decision to skip six grades for Orioles success

In the United States, Gunnar Henderson was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2019 MLB Draft, where every team except Boston passed on him. The Orioles' general manager, Mike Elias, had scouted Henderson extensively and saw potential in him, leading to a decision to offer him a contract above the slot value. This unconventional approach allowed Henderson to bypass college and join the Orioles' system directly. Despite being young and inexperienced, he quickly made an impact, showcasing his determination and work ethic at the alternate site during the pandemic. Henderson's first hit was a home run, demonstrating his raw power. He went on to win the Rookie of the Year award, becoming the first Oriole to achieve this in 34 years, and did so unanimously. His performance has raised questions among coaches and scouts about how he was overlooked by other teams, highlighting his rapid ascent in the league and the Orioles' foresight in selecting him.