The Baltimore Orioles have every incentive to keep Jackson Holliday, MLB’s best prospect, down for a few weeks once the season starts.
If they wait a bit, they could potentially earn an extra year of service time given how current rules work.
Additionally, they have a myriad of infielders to hold down the fort while he gets some more time in Triple-A.
But the kid, who is just 20 years old and experienced a meteoric rise through the minors last year, might just force his way to the majors as teams break camp.
He is a man on a mission, and seems to be doing just fine against MLB competition.
He can hit for power, yes, but he will also showcase his excellent speed from time to time if needed.
“Jackson Holliday is on fire. This infield hit and SB makes him 5-for-12 with 2 thefts over his past 4 games with the @Orioles,” MLB Pipeline tweeted.
Jackson Holliday is on fire.
This infield hit and SB makes him 5-for-12 with 2 thefts over his past 4 games with the @Orioles. pic.twitter.com/ikn3AiRqCy
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 11, 2024
In the sequence, he hits a slow grounder toward third base that DJ LeMahieu couldn’t make a throw on given the fact he was playing closer to shortstop.
Later in the inning, Holliday steals third base in impressive fashion, beating the throw and showing great wheels.
Between four levels in 2023, he swept 24 bases and could translate that speed and stolen-base ability to MLB.
He seems to be just about ready for The Show, even though he could still use some time in Triple-A: he hit .267/.396/.400 in 91 plate appearances there in 2023.
With the spring he is having, it’s clear the Baltimore would be a better team with him from Day 1.
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