New team, same old Jackson Holliday.
With his promotion to Double-A Bowie during the All-Star break, the Orioles’ top prospect has moved up two levels since the start of the season. The extra pressure of Double-A ball doesn't seem to bother him, though, as the standout has racked up five hits in his first two games for the Baysox, reaching the level that he set for himself as a goal during 2023.
In 14 games with Single-A Delmarva, MLB's top prospect slashed .396/.522/.660. With High-A Aberdeen, the 19-year-old showed off his discipline at the plate with a 19.3 BB% and a South Atlantic League-leading .452 OBP over 57 games.
Now in Bowie, Holliday has shown no signs of slowing down, going 5-for-9 in his first two starts with the Double-A club. Perhaps his best traits thus far have been his speed and his effort. Two of his hits Saturday were choppers in the infield -- showing off his 60-grade wheels, he was able to beat the throw both times.
The infielder is one of five players currently 19 years old to get at-bats at the Double-A level this season. The others with considerable playing time -- the Brewers’ Jackson Chourio and the Rays’ Junior Caminero -- are top prospects in their organization and rank within the Top 15 overall talents in the Minors.
The first overall pick of the 2022 Draft has proven himself time and time again as an elite-tier talent. Both his appearance at the All-Star Futures Game last week and his promotion through the ranks of the Orioles' organization have simply been the latest signs of it.