“We’re Going To Give Him Every Chance To Win A Major League Job” Orioles Manager Backs Top Prospect Jackson Holliday As 20-Year-Old Aims To Break Into Majors
Many analysts were surprised when the Baltimore Orioles selected the baby-faced Jackson Holliday with the first overall pick of the 2022 MLB Draft. It has been 18 months since the draft and there are few doubters remaining when it comes to the 6″0″ lanky infielder.
Drafted as an 18-year-old, Holliday has promptly worked his way up the Orioles ladder. He has impressed at every level and already competed in 18 games at the Triple-A level.
With spring training upon us, the 20-year-old has a real chance to make the Orioles” Opening Day roster after only 145 minor league games. Breaking into the big leagues at such a young age would be an incredible accomplishment for the recently drafted prospect.
Per a recent article in the New York Post, Orioles general manager Mike Elias and manager Brandon Hyde insist that Holliday will be given every opportunity to make his debut in “The Show” this year.
“We”re going to give him every chance to win a major league job,” said Hyde.
Mike Elias pointed to the Orioles track record of promoting young players like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson. The sixth-year GM believes the club is in a position to win now and the focus will be on selecting the best players.
“We won [101] games last year. For us, it is ‘go” time. We’re going to put the best team on the field,” said Elias.
Jackson Holliday is currently ranked the top prospect in MLB ahead Jackson Chourio of Milwaukee Brewers and Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Over 145 games in the minors, Holliday is slashing .320/.449/.490 and has recorded 13 home runs and 84 RBIs over 541 at-bats.
