Orioles Finally Called Up Their Top Prospect

After an impressive spring training breakout, the Baltimore Orioles are finally calling up their top prospect, Jackson Holliday.

Jeff Passan of ESPN reported Tuesday that the Baltimore Orioles are calling up SS Jackson Holiday. It finally seemed like the promotion was the right move, since it comes as no surprise at all. Holiday, 20, pretty much showed that he was ready to crack the Opening Day roster after that breakout display he put on early during Spring Training. Despite his strong performance, Baltimore still thought that it was best for him to start the 2024 season down at Triple-A. In just ten games at Norfolk, he had a slash line of .333/.482/.595 with two home runs, five doubles, and a stolen base.  This news is huge for Baltimore, who look to have another fun full season on display.

The Orioles already possess a young core that will be in the league for the long term. This core features C Adley Rutschman, 3B Gunnar Henderson, CF Cedric Mullins, OF Austin Hays, and now Jackson Holiday. For sure this team will be fun to watch as they grow and mature as the years go on. Not to mention, this move also puts the entire AL East on notice. The Orioles are finally here, in case 101 wins last year did not convince you.

The Beginning of a New Era

The recent call up of Holiday shakes up how the Orioles are moving forward for the longer term. He is just the beginning of the dynasty that is soon in the making. With the promise of other prospects waiting to be called up, Baltimore is motivated to build a sustainable contender cable of competing year in and year out. You also have to give credit to the front office as well. They have done a nice job of developing prospects and turning them into breakout stars. Look at Adley Rutschman for example, who wasted no time developing into a breakout superstar. It’s no surprise as to how he made it to the All-Star team last year in his first full season. SP Grayson Rodriguez also had a promising debut last season and dominated down the stretch in 2023.

Holiday can for sure follow that same path if he has a breakout year like his teammate has done. As the Orioles embark on this journey into this unknown, there will be some obstacles and setbacks that lie ahead of them. But with Jackson Holiday leading the way, backed by a talented supporting cast and a unified vision for the future, the Orioles are primed to write the next chapter in their storied history–a chapter defined by resilience, determination, and relentless pursue of greatness.

Bringing Excitement to the Fans

It is important to know that the call up of Jackson Holiday isn’t just a team business decision but also one to bring back excitement to the fans. The team hasn’t been to the World Series in more than 40 years. Baltimore has been through a lot for the past couple of decades. Though its fanbase never gave up on them as they remained faithful through the ups and downs, attendance has dramatically improved as the wins have returned. The latest addition of Jackson Holiday would give fans a preview of what’s to come in the future for the team, such as thrilling victories, memorable moments, and perhaps a long-awaited return to championship contention.

As he takes place on the field, Holiday carries with him hopes and dreams of an entire city, eager to witness the next chapter in the storied history of the Orioles. In addition, the latest call up of Holiday also means Baltimore is showing commitment and willing to build a competitive roster and restoring a sense of pride to the city.

Like Father, Like Son

Jackson Holiday also becomes the 11th active player to have a father who’s also played in MLB. His father’s name is Matt Holiday (maybe you have heard of him?). He played in parts of 15 major league seasons from 2004-2018. During that span, Holiday spent time with the Colorado Rockies, Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, and New York Yankees. It was a successful career for him, including four Silver Sluggers, seven All-Star teams, and a batting title. He was able to win the World Series with St. Louis back in 2011. In addition to that, his postseason numbers were really good. His 13 home runs during the postseason are currently tied for 14th-most all time. Matt finished second in MVP voting in 2007.

That’s the other interesting part about seeing Jackson taking the field on the MLB-level stage. He is already well positioned to follow his father’s impressive steps in the big leagues. Not to mention, Jackson is now part of an interesting group of players to have a father who also played in MLB. That select group includes the likes of OF Ken Griffey, Jr., 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr., OF Fernando Tatis Jr., INF/OF Cavan Biggio, 1B Cody Bellinger, OF Dee Strange-Gordon, SS Bo Bichette, OF Delino DeShields Jr., and SP Dereck Rodriguez.

How Did the Debut Go?

Young Jackson has his work cut out for him to become a star like his father, but the talent is there. Holliday showed flashes Wednesday night in Boston, as he smoothly turned a double play and drove in a run with situational hitting. He also struggled at times, letting a tough pop up drop in for a hit and finishing 0-4. Holliday will continue the develop at the big league level, while the O’s are now 1-0 with him on the roster.