By Joe Schiller
The wait is over, for Gunnar Henderson at least.
According to MASN's Steve Melewski, Orioles' second-round pick is expected to make his professional debut tonight in the Gulf Coast League.
O's 2nd round pick, hi school SS Gunnar Henderson, will make his pro debut tomorrow in the GCL. Still no date set for Adley Rutschman's debut.
— Steve Melewski (@masnSteve)
July 10, 2019 The Gulf Coast league is the rookie level for minor league baseball, where most draft picks begin their careers. The Orioles are one of four teams in the Gulf Coast League South division, along with the Rays, Red Sox, and Twins.
Henderson is fresh out of high school from John T. Morgan Academy in Alabama. He passed up an opportunity to play at the college level and now becomes one of the Orioles' top prospects heading into a full-scale rebuild.
.@jimcallisMLB on #Orioles SS prospect Gunnar Henderson: "His whole game kind of improved across the board...I do think he can stay at short...He's the best offensive guy of [the #Orioles shortstop prospects>...His bat would definitely profile at third if he does have to move."
— Glenn Clark (@GlennClarkRadio)
July 10, 2019 Another day, another draft pick.2nd rounder Gunnar Henderson takes BP with the #Orioles while Mike Elias and Brandon Hyde look on. pic.twitter.com/Vu6z1vXz09
— Paul Mancano (@PaulMancano)
June 26, 2019 Mike Elias and the front office won't rush Henderson or the other young prospects, but it's an exciting start for what's to come. By next season, assuming their progression stays on path, Henderson and others will be progressing into the lower level leagues in Delmarva and Aberdeen.
No. 1 overall pick Adley Rutschman is the player Orioles fans will be keeping their eye out for, but according to Melewski, Rutschman's pro debut hasn't been set.
