The Baltimore Orioles picked Morgan Academy shortstop Gunnar Henderson in the second round of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft on Monday.

Henderson was the 42nd selection overall and the first pick of the second round. He entered the draft ranked 27th among draft-eligible prospects and is number one overall in the state.

According to MLB’s draft slotting system, Henderson earn a signing bonus of $1.77 million if he turns pro.

“It’s a huge honor to be drafted by a team,” Henderson said. “If it works out, I’ll be happy to be a Oriole. It’s a considerable amount of money. The decision is up in the air.”

Henderson said he’s not ready to make the decision on turning pro or going to Auburn. He signed with the Tigers last November.

The Gatorade prep baseball player of the year in Alabama, Henderson hit .559 with 11 homers, 17 doubles, nine triples and 75 RBI for the Senators (30-2) this season. He worked out for several MLB teams, including the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Anaheim Angels, Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros.

“Words can’t describe how proud I am of Gunnar and how much he’s meant to me and the Morgan Academy family,” Senators coach Stephen Clements said.

MLB Network commentators Harold Reynolds and Dan O’Dowd both praised the selection of Henderson. Reynolds, who played 11 MLB seasons, compared Henderson to former Atlanta Braves’ All-Star and Hall of Famer Chipper Jones.

“He’s a tremendous athlete and reminds me a lot of Chipper Jones as a youngster,” Reynolds said. “He’s powerful from the left side and can swing the bat. The thing I loved about Henderson was watching him play basketball. You love the athleticism.”

O’Dowd, a former MLB General Manager with the Colorado Rockies, praised Henderson’s skill set.

“His shiftless swing, a toe tap, he’s got a clean, easy way about his game,” O’Dowd said. “His power is certainly projectable. I really love this kid. This is an exceptional pick for the Baltimore Orioles.”