Home Run Derby Prize Money Greater Than Gunnar Henderson’s Salary

Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who has a $756,200 salary this season, has a lot on the line in Monday night’s Home Run Derby. The 23-year-old rising star has a chance to capture the $1 million windfall that comes with winning the event while boosting his national exposure and marketing profile.

Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr., another Oriole, can relate. He had a meager $40,000 salary in his first year in the big leagues in 1982. But he had a clause in his contract that called for a $100,000 bonus if he won the American League Rookie of the Year, which he did, the first of many MLB accolades for him.

“At that time, [the extra cash] was super meaningful,” Ripken said in a phone interview.

The same holds true for Henderson, the 2023 AL Rookie of the Year.

“It’s more than my yearly pay, so that would definitely help me in the savings [account] and down the road,” Henderson said of the potential HR Derby payday. “That would be cool. But at the same time I’m doing it for the experience. If that’s what comes with it, I can’t complain about that, but just really looking forward to my first home run derby ever.”

Henderson has hit 28 home runs this season, which is good for third most in the majors behind Shohei Ohtani (29) and Aaron Judge (34). In the derby, he will face seven other heavy hitters including New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, who is aiming for a third derby title. Alonso, this year’s betting favorite, knows what it’s like to be Henderson. The former second-round pick was also making league minimum when he won his first derby title as a rookie in 2019. Alonso reaped the benefits of the million dollar derby payday (though, he says that he donated a portion of his earnings to charitable organizations such as Tunnel to Towers and Wounded Warrior Project).

Henderson, one of three Orioles competing in the Midsummer Classic, is looking to have the same outcome as Alonso, which would add another feather in his cap halfway through his strong sophomore campaign. Even the runner-up prize check ($750,000) would be appreciated. Henderson hopes to build on the electric show his teammate and fellow All-Star Game starter Adley Rutschman put on last year before falling in the opening round after crushing 27 home runs while switch hitting.

Henderson has already received pointers from Rutschman, who advised him to not swing as hard as you can and to find his pace since the rounds last longer than one would think. It’s solid advice, something to be considered, especially with the new rules this year, which includes a pitch limit and delaying the ‘knockout stage’ to the semifinals.

Henderson has chosen his former AAA minor league coach and Norfolk Tides manager Buck Britton as his pitcher, and he plans to get some meaningful practice reps in before the contest starts.

“I’m actually going to go out on a limb and say that Gunnar Henderson, I think, has a really legit chance,” former MLB player turned ESPN analyst Eduardo Pérez said when asked to predict a winner.“ [He] has a legit chance because he has power to all fields. In this new format, I think it’s a brand-new game for a lot of people.”

Ripken, who won the derby in 1991, has gotten to know Henderson better since becoming a limited partner in the Orioles. The two got closer after shooting a light-hearted commercial at Camden Yards in March which features Henderson trotting out from the dugout to remind a well-dressed Ripken sitting at a desk in the infield that his office is no longer at shortstop and that he now works in the Warehouse, the brick building adjacent to the ballpark which houses executive offices. The 45-second clip gives Orioles fans a good laugh and a glimpse into the future of the franchise both on and off the field.

It was a fun bonding moment for the two.

“I’ve enjoyed reliving my shortstop career through him,” Ripken said with a laugh.

Ripken, who as a player was 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, says he has spoken with Henderson, who is 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, about the intricacies of the shortstop position. It’s a prime spot he has settled on after being the first player in franchise history to start his first three MLB games at three different positions—shortstop, second base and third base.

“He’s a thinker with tremendous skills,” Ripken said. “He’s got a cannon for an arm and takes really good angles at the balls and can play like a smaller person, agile enough to make running plays. He’s the complete package.”

But the 19-time All Star hasn’t given him any pointers on how to win the derby and says he probably wouldn’t give him advice if the opportunity presented itself. He says it’s something you must experience for yourself while also citing the changes in contest rules in the last 30 years. Ripken though looks forward to being there at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, to root on the shortstop who looks to be the first Oriole to win the crown since Miguel Tejada in 2004.

“The whole baseball world is watching you,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to stand out. If you do well, by winning MVP of the [All Star Game] or winning the derby, it raises your profile … But there’s no secret about Gunnar in baseball circles. He’s recognized, and it’ll be fun exposure for him.”

Surrounded by friends and family, including his dog, Chief, a German wirehaired pointer, who he hasn’t seen since early spring training, Henderson is ready for the moment. He understands the financial benefits and potential marketing boost but right now he’s mainly focused on soaking up his first appearance at All-Star Weekend.

That doesn’t mean his competitive spirit won’t be flowing though. He’s already pictured himself bringing the Home Run Derby trophy back to Baltimore.

“It would be nice addition to the clubhouse for all the boys.”