With monster series in Detroit, Holliday playing up to immense potential

DETROIT -- The expectations for Jackson Holliday have been high since the moment he was taken No. 1 overall by the Orioles in the 2022 MLB Draft. They were raised even higher when he reached the big leagues at 20 years old, getting called up by Baltimore for the first time in April 2024.

It's important to remember Holliday is still only 22. He also didn't have a Spring Training this year, missing the first 7 1/2 weeks of the season after undergoing right hamate surgery in mid-February.

But the talent is there for Holliday. And at some point, there's a good chance everything will finally click.

It could even be happening right now.

Holliday had a monster showing during the O's series win over the Tigers at Comerica Park this week, going 8-for-11 (.727) with one double, three RBIs and three runs scored. He came off the bench during Wednesday afternoon's 10-9, 12-inning win, knocking a pinch-hit two-run single in the seventh and an RBI single in the 11th.

"Feeling good, feeling confident," Holliday said. "Feeling like I’m in a good spot to fire at pretty much any point, which is always a good sign for me."

This didn't just start in Detroit, either. Look at Holliday's numbers over each of the following spans:

Last seven games: 12-for-23 (.522) with five RBIs and a 1.180 OPS
Last 15 games: 16-for-41 (.390) with six RBIs and a .919 OPS
Last 30 games: 24-for-74 (.324) with one home run, eight RBIs and an .851 OPS

It's the exact type of production the Orioles thought they would one day get from the former top prospect -- and what his longtime teammates knew he was capable of.

"He looks super locked in," outfielder Colton Cowser said. "We were talking about it [Wednesday] morning before the game, it’s one of those things where his hands are so fast, and his ability to go the other way is something that I think a lot of us can learn from and something that, as a hitter, he’s just not afraid to get beat by a fastball. And so, I think that’s really opened up the field for him and given him a really, really large timing window of how long his barrel can work through the zone.

"So, the more consistent he is, the better. And it seems like he’s gotten himself in a really good routine right now."

Manager Craig Albernaz has also been impressed with Holliday's ability to use the whole field. The left-handed-hitting infielder has pull-side power, but he's also capable of knocking hits up the middle or the other way to left.

"His approach has been outstanding," Albernaz said. "Sounds very simple, but not chasing out of the strike zone and forcing in the strike zone, and it’s tough to do in this league with the stuff these guys throw. But the big thing with Jackson is he’s taking his hits the other way. He’s using the whole field, and he’s really being a complete hitter. It’s been fun to watch."

Another part of Holliday's game that has taken a big step forward in 2026? His plate discipline.

After drawing 71 walks in 209 games over his first two MLB seasons, Holliday has 27 walks in 184 plate appearances over 57 games this year. Fifteen of those walks have come in 22 July contests.

Even Holliday can't fully explain why he is getting walked so much more frequently.

"I think just being ready for fastballs in the zone and just not chasing, I guess," Holliday said. "Just trying to get any good counts. I don’t have an answer for the three-, four-pitch walks, or 3-1 walks. I guess I just look super intimidating or something. I think just trying to control the zone, get a pitch to hit and not getting myself out as much."

Well, it's working. And if Holliday continues on this trajectory, he could become the type of star player so many thought he would be when coming out of Stillwater (Okla.) High School earlier this decade.

But Holliday isn't looking too far ahead or overthinking his offensive approach. He thinks his recent surge has been a combination of several factors, and he hopes to keep trending in this direction.

"Just little adjustments, finally starting to click. Kind of put together bits and pieces of the beginning of the year and kind of just sort of all clicking together, I guess, right now," Holliday said. "Just kind of getting more comfortable. Not trying to push up there. Letting the at-bat happen."