Orioles Have Intriguing Three-Man Race for Leadoff Hitter Featuring All-Star

Manager Craig Albernaz has several options to choose from to set the table for Baltimore's lineup.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Baltimore Orioles have an intriguing competition for their leadoff hitter spot this spring, with three strong candidates emerging: Jordan Westburg, Taylor Ward, and Gunnar Henderson. Henderson, a former AL Rookie of the Year and 2024 All-Star, is considered the favorite, but manager Craig Albernaz has flexibility to move players around in the lineup based on early-season performance.

Why it matters

Finding the right leadoff hitter is crucial for setting the table and getting the most out of a team's lineup. The Orioles are looking to build on their success from 2025 and need a consistent on-base presence at the top of the order to spark their offense.

The details

Ward's power makes him better suited for the middle of the order, while Westburg is nursing an oblique injury. Henderson served as the Orioles' primary leadoff hitter in 2024 and is the more obvious choice given his All-Star season and base-stealing ability. However, Albernaz has indicated he is open to moving players around in the lineup if the offense doesn't click early on.

  • In 2025, Jackson Holliday had a .314 on-base percentage in 649 plate appearances as the Orioles' leadoff hitter.
  • Henderson stole 30 bases in 35 attempts as the Orioles' leadoff hitter in 2024.

The players

Jordan Westburg

An Orioles infielder who is nursing an oblique injury and may not be the best fit for the leadoff spot.

Taylor Ward

An Orioles outfielder whose power is better utilized in the middle of the order, but has led off at times in his career.

Gunnar Henderson

A former AL Rookie of the Year and 2024 All-Star who served as the Orioles' primary leadoff hitter in 2024 and is the favorite to win the job again in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Ward's power is better used in the middle of the order, but he has led off at times in his career. Westburg is nursing an oblique injury and isn't a great leadoff option given his middling on-base percentages. If Albernaz wants to spread out his righty hitters, though, putting him in the No. 1 spot is a possibility.”

— Mike Axisa, CBS Sports Writer (CBS Sports)

“I'm going to say Henderson right now, but this "position" battle is pretty wide open, and not necessarily one that will be determined in spring training. It is really, really easy to make lineup changes. If the offense isn't clicking early in the season, Albernaz can switch things up and move someone else to the leadoff spot.”

— Mike Axisa, CBS Sports Writer (CBS Sports)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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