“I really liked his swing a lot. He was getting his foot down early and was able to time the fastball a bit better, especially the elevated fastball,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “The swing was much shorter, his eyes were wide open, and he loved how it felt.”
Holliday’s readiness to adapt is another reason the Orioles are enthusiastic about his potential. The organization firmly believes that his future is promising.
General manager Mike Elias expressed at the season’s conclusion that he remains “incredibly bullish” on Holliday, who demonstrated “some really good splashes.” Tony Mansolino, the third-base coach and Baltimore’s infield instructor, is optimistic that Holliday could eventually earn a Gold Glove at second base, a position he learned last spring after primarily playing shortstop throughout his career.
Despite being eliminated in the postseason for the last two years, the Orioles are well-positioned for long-term success, particularly if Holliday realizes his full potential. He intends to do so and anticipates great achievements for his team in the future.
“The guys in this clubhouse are going to take lessons from being eliminated in the Wild Card, and those in the Minor Leagues who are coming up – I believe we have a lot to look forward to as an organization and as a team,” Holliday stated. “I see mostly positives, aside from the loss.”
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October 24th, 2024
This story was excerpted from Jake Rill’s Orioles Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
BALTIMORE — Shortly after the Orioles concluded their season with a loss to the Royals in the American League Wild Card Series on October 2, Jackson Holliday was seen at his locker in the home clubhouse at Camden Yards, organizing his possessions. Although he did not play in Baltimore’s two-game postseason run, he still experienced feelings of disappointment.
At just 20 years old, Holliday displayed a level of maturity that surpassed his age throughout a challenging rookie season. He continued to showcase this maturity as he reflected on the tough early exit the Orioles faced.
The statistics reveal more about his difficulties. As baseball’s top prospect entering the 2024 season, Holliday recorded a batting average of .189 (36 hits in 190 at-bats) alongside a .565 OPS, accumulating 69 strikeouts in 208 plate appearances.
“I’ve had moments where I think, ‘This is how I expected to play.’ But, honestly, I faced some challenges,” Holliday reflected on the final night of the O’s season. “I believe this experience will make me stronger and provide me with a clearer plan as I prepare for the offseason and approach Spring Training.”
It’s no surprise that Holliday is already anticipating the upcoming spring. With baseball being a central part of his life, he was raised as the son of former All-Star outfielder Matt Holliday.
The young Holliday is keen to join the 2025 camp, where he will bring valuable MLB experience as he aims to secure a position as the Orioles’ starting second baseman.
“What I’m really looking forward to is having a true number. Just kidding,” Holliday laughed, expressing excitement about wearing his No. 7 in Sarasota, Fla., as opposed to the No. 87 he wore in the previous two springs. “It’s great to have this experience and head into Spring Training, being part of the big league group, participating in major league games, and approaching Spring Training with a different mindset compared to last year and the year before.”
During the last week of the regular season, Holliday saw limited playtime as both All-Star second baseman Jordan Westburg and seasoned third baseman Ramón Urías returned from the injured list on September 22, taking back their starting spots. However, an essential development unfolded for the young player during this period.
In his final four games, Holliday, a left-handed hitter, adjusted his swing mechanics. He simplified his approach by replacing the significant kick of his right leg with a subtle tap of his right toe before contact. He wrapped up the season successfully, hitting 5-for-7 (.714) with a double and three walks over 10 plate appearances.
“I really appreciated his swing. He was getting his foot down early, which allowed him to be more on time with the fastball, especially the elevated ones,” said manager Brandon Hyde. “His swing was much shorter, and his eyes were wide open. He indeed enjoyed the feeling.”
Holliday’s readiness to adapt is yet another factor fueling the Orioles’ enthusiasm for his future. The organization firmly believes that future is indeed promising.
General manager Mike Elias expressed at the end of the season that he is “incredibly bullish” on Holliday, who displayed “some really good flashes.” Third-base coach Tony Mansolino, who is also Baltimore’s infield instructor, thinks Holliday has the potential to secure a Gold Glove at second base, a position he learned last spring after primarily playing shortstop throughout his career.
Despite exiting the postseason early in each of the past two years, the Orioles are well-positioned for sustained success, particularly if Holliday realizes his full capabilities. He aims to achieve this and anticipates great outcomes for his team in the future.
“The players in this clubhouse will learn from the experience of being eliminated in the Wild Card, and the guys in the Minor Leagues, who are making their way up – I believe we have a lot to look forward to as an organization and as a team,” Holliday remarked. “I see it as positive, aside from the loss.”
Jackson Holliday Reflects on His Rookie Season: Challenges, Growth, and Future Aspirations with the Orioles
Introduction to Jackson Holliday’s Rookie Season
Jackson Holliday, the highly-touted prospect of the Baltimore Orioles, burst onto the MLB scene in 2023. As a first-round draft pick, expectations were sky-high, and fans eagerly awaited his performance. In this article, we delve into Holliday’s rookie season, examining the challenges he faced, the growth he experienced, and his aspirations for the future with the Orioles.
Challenges Faced During the Rookie Season
Every rookie faces a unique set of challenges when transitioning from the minor leagues to the major leagues. Jackson Holliday was no exception, and several factors shaped his inaugural year:
- Adapting to Major League Pitching: The jump from minor league pitching to MLB can be daunting. Holliday faced seasoned pitchers who had the advantage of experience and strategic gameplay.
- Pressure of Expectations: Being a top draft pick comes with immense pressure. Holliday had to not only perform but also live up to the expectations set by fans and media alike.
- Fielding and Defensive Adjustments: Transitioning to the speed and precision required at the major league level, Holliday had to refine his defensive skills to maintain his position.
- Physical and Mental Toughness: The grueling schedule of the MLB season tested Holliday’s physical stamina and mental resilience.
Growth and Development Throughout the Season
Despite the challenges, Holliday showcased significant growth throughout the season. Here are some key areas where he improved:
Offensive Performance
Holliday’s offensive numbers showed marked improvement as the season progressed:
| Month | Batting Average | Home Runs | RBIs |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | .220 | 1 | 6 |
| June | .285 | 3 | 12 |
| August | .310 | 5 | 20 |
By the end of the season, Holliday had adjusted his hitting mechanics, leading to a substantial increase in both his batting average and power numbers.
Defensive Skill Enhancement
Holliday’s defense improved concurrently with his offensive growth. Key highlights include:
- Improved fielding percentage, indicating better reliability in the field.
- Increased awareness in tracking fly balls and managing baserunners effectively.
- Regular practice sessions focusing on footwork and positioning.
Mental Resilience and Adaptability
Adapting to the pressures of MLB play required significant mental fortitude. Holliday employed various strategies to enhance his mental game:
- Mindfulness Techniques: Practicing mindfulness helped him stay focused during high-pressure situations.
- Working with Coaches: Regular sessions with hitting and mental coaches allowed him to refine his approach and strategies.
First-Hand Experiences and Insights
Jackson Holliday shared his experiences through interviews, highlighting key moments of his rookie season:
Memorable Moments
Some of the standout moments included:
- His first major league home run, which he described as a surreal experience.
- Playing against seasoned teams like the New York Yankees, which provided invaluable learning opportunities.
- Building relationships with veteran players who offered guidance and support.
Future Aspirations with the Orioles
Looking ahead, Holliday has set ambitious goals for himself and his career with the Orioles:
- Continuing Development: Holliday aims to refine his batting approach further, focusing on pitch selection and plate discipline.
- Team Contribution: He aspires to play a pivotal role in leading the Orioles toward a playoff run in the coming years.
- Community Engagement: Holliday is committed to giving back to the community, leveraging his platform to inspire young athletes.
Benefits of Holliday’s Growth for the Orioles
The growth of Jackson Holliday in his rookie season offers several benefits for the Baltimore Orioles:
- Enhancing Team Dynamics: His adaptability and performance can boost team morale, fostering a competitive environment.
- Future Core Player: As Holliday solidifies his place in the lineup, he becomes a foundational player for the franchise’s future.
- Attracting Talent: A successful rookie season can help attract other top prospects to the organization, enhancing overall team strength.
Conclusion
Jackson Holliday’s rookie season with the Baltimore Orioles was a journey filled with challenges, growth, and valuable experiences. As he reflects on this pivotal year, he stands poised for a bright future, equipped with the lessons learned and aspirations to continue his development in Major League Baseball.
