Orioles calling up Jackson Holliday shows how wrong Opening Day roster decision was
The moment has finally arrived, Baltimore Orioles fans. Though it was briefly interrupted a few weeks ago, it's definitely here early enough to help make you feel a lot less upset about the team's Opening Day roster decision.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the O's are calling up the No. 1 prospect in all of MLB, Jackson Holliday, to the big league roster.
Holliday lit up spring training for the Orioles, hitting .311 with a .954 OPS, 2 homers, 6 RBI and 2 stolen bases in 15 games. Though he only walked twice and struck out 15 times, his additional five extra-base hits (2 doubles and 2 triples) made up for any of those "concerns."
Not to mention, the kid can play defense! Baltimore went into Opening Day without an official everyday second baseman. That's why it was frustrating when the team decided to option Holliday to Triple-A to start the season.
But all it took was a slow start from Jordan Westburg and a torrid pace from Holliday at Norfolk to change the front office's mind.
Orioles calling up Jackson Holliday shows how wrong Opening Day roster decision was
Across his first nine games with the Tides in 2024, Holliday is hitting .342 with a 1.096 OPS. He's scored 18 runs while driving in nine. His two doubles and four homers see him slugging .605. His spring training was no fluke.
Perhaps the O's thought just one full pro season for Holliday wasn't enough to convince themselves he was ready ready. After all, just 18 games at Triple-A and a total of 54 above High-A really didn't feel like a ton for a player whose development will be paramount to potentially maintaining superstar status.
But Holliday has now forced the issue. Hopefully, there's no going back, because what fans are currently witnessing feels that special.
The Orioles are in Boston, taking on the Red Sox for their home-opening series. Expect Holliday to be there for Wednesday night's 7:05 p.m. ET game.
Stay tuned for updates on Holliday's MLB debut as well as the corresponding roster move that will be coming once the news is made official.