At 19, Holliday gets extended stay in 1st big league spring
SARASOTA, Fla. — It was a bit stunning when the Orioles introduced their listing of Spring Training non-roster invitees in early February and Jackson Holliday was included. After all, he simply turned 19 in December with solely 20 video games {of professional} expertise.
Now, we’re approaching the center of March and Holliday has survived the primary two rounds of roster cuts, because the variety of gamers in Baltimore’s camp has been trimmed from 71 to 56 over the previous 5 days. He continues to routinely play in Grapefruit League video games, usually coming into late as a pinch-hitter or a defensive alternative.
Did Holliday — the Orioles’ No. 3 prospect and the No. 12 total prospect within the Majors per MLB Pipeline — suppose he’d nonetheless be sharing a clubhouse with confirmed massive leaguers on the Ed Smith Stadium complicated this deep into the spring?
“I didn’t really know what to expect, honestly,” stated Holliday, who was chosen by the O’s with the No. 1 total choose within the 2022 MLB Draft. “I’m just enjoying each and every moment that I get to be up here. And being with the big league staff and being around these guys and watching them do their thing, I’m just enjoying it as long as I can.”
General supervisor Mike Elias expressed confidence on the primary day of camp that Holliday (the son of seven-time All-Star outfielder Matt Holliday) was the kind of child who might deal with this project. Players and coaches have since raved about Holliday’s capability and maturity.
Last Friday, supervisor Brandon Hyde stated Holliday hasn’t but been reassigned to Minor League camp so he can work out with the large leaguers “a little bit longer.” With fellow high prospect Joey Ortiz in concussion protocol, Holliday can be offering wanted depth at shortstop.
Through 12 Grapefruit video games, Holliday was 4-for-12 with a double, an RBI, three walks and two runs scored. He’s stood out for his stellar defensive work as properly.
“He’s put the work in, and I think it’s shown out on the field,” first baseman Ryan Mountcastle stated. “So far, he looks the part.”
While the taking part in time has been useful, equally vital to Holliday’s growth has been his time on the observe fields and within the amenities along with his potential future massive league teammates. He cited one as a very optimistic affect.
The second-youngest participant in Orioles camp is 21-year-old infielder Gunnar Henderson, the No. 1 total prospect in baseball. He’s been there for Holliday to lean on, in addition to to reply any of his questions.
For instance, what ought to Holliday do if his swing hasn’t been feeling nice and he’s contemplating mechanical changes?
“Whenever I had my struggles in [High-A] Aberdeen, it felt like I was changing something every single day,” Henderson stated. “So I now have that experience to be like, ‘Hey, you’re a really good player. There’s nothing wrong with your swing. Just maybe getting worn down a little bit, so trust what got you here.’”
The hunch Henderson referenced occurred lower than two years in the past. His ascent from the Minors to the Majors was fast — from Single-A Delmarva to High-A Aberdeen to Double-A Bowie in 2021, then from Bowie to Triple-A Norfolk to MLB in ‘22.
Henderson believes Holliday has the expertise for a equally fast rise by Baltimore’s system. Holliday hopes that’s the case.
“Honestly, that’s probably everyone’s goal,” Holliday stated. “But to watch [Henderson] execute it, it’s definitely something that I want to do.”
Holliday performed solely eight video games within the Florida Complex League then 12 at Single-A final season, batting a mixed .297/.489/.422 with one homer and 9 RBIs. So he nonetheless has quite a few ranks to climb.
Holliday is hoping to start the 2023 marketing campaign at High-A, however his sights are set increased for the upcoming yr.
“I don’t want to set a ceiling, but Double-A would be pretty cool,” Holliday stated.
With how properly Holliday’s spring has gone, that looks as if an inexpensive goal. He’s held his personal taking part in alongside (and in opposition to) Major League-caliber gamers, seamlessly mixing into the fold.
Holliday could have a youthful face, however he appears to be like a lot older on the diamond. It’s helped that the O’s have a welcoming surroundings by which inexperienced gamers are handled as equals, moderately than having to endure any sort of rookie hazing.
“As soon as you get in here, they’re unbelievable people as much as players,” Holliday stated. “Just being around these guys, they’ve made it super easy for me to fit in and feel like part of the team.”
And Holliday will proceed to be a part of Baltimore’s Spring Training workforce — for no less than somewhat longer.
