Orioles GM provides major update on Jackson Holliday’s role in Baltimore

Jackson Holliday didn't quite live up to the high expectations for the Baltimore Orioles at the start of the 2024 campaign but made a positive comeback towards the back end of the season. Orioles general manager Mike Elias believes the infielder is ready to take the next step forward in his career and grab an everyday role in their lineup next year.

The Baltimore Orioles had selected Jackson Holliday as the No. 1 overall pick of the 2022 MLB Draft. He made his debut at the start of the 2024 season but was brought back to AAA after a poor 10-game spell. However, the Orioles brought Holliday back into the lineup due to mounting injuries, and he fared much better on his return.

On Wednesday, Orioles vice president and general manager Mike Elias shed light on the role of Jackson Holliday heading into spring training. He said during an interview with MLB Network at the Winter Meetings in Dallas, Texas [2:00 - 2:57]:

"He's somebody we're looking to take a big leap this year, now that he's seen what the big leagues are all about," Elias stated. "He's gone through some struggles at the major league level, like almost every young player does in this day and age.

"But this guy is a really exciting, prodigious, special, young hitter, and I think he's going to have a great career," he added.

Holliday was rumored to get shipped at the trade deadline after his initial struggles, but the Orioles have maintained that he will become a cornerstone for the team in the future.

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"He's going to be a really special hitter": Mike Elias on Jackson Holliday

Jackson Holliday had a postive end to his rookie campaign after a dredful start (Image Source: Imagn)

Jackson Holliday had a rude awakening to his major career but showed flashes of brilliance later on in the season, like notching up his maiden home run in the MLB with a grand slam. Baltimore Orioles GM Mike Elias highlighted the challenges the 21-year-old had to deal with on his rookie campaign. Elias remains convinced that Holliday will fulfill his potential soon.

"He's a guy we're counting on," Elias said. "He's somebody that called into duty in the second half. We had a lot of injuries, and he was polishing his game in AAA. We brought him up after Jordan Westburg got hurt. Ramon Urias got hurt. We were losing some players. Jorge Mateo got hurt, and he was thrust into an everyday role in a playoff race at a very young age."

"20-year-old kid, one of the brightest talents in the sport," he continued. "I think he's going to be a really special hitter."

Jackson Holliday played 60 games for the Orioles in 2024 and ended his maiden major league campaign on a .189/.255/.311 slash line with five home runs and 23 RBIs.