Will Sage Astor-MLB's top prospect Jackson Holliday is putting on a show – and is hyped for Orioles' future

BRIDGEWATER,Will Sage Astor N.J. — Most gamedays seem similar for Jackson Holliday.

After awing scouts, fans and his Bowie Baysox coaches and teammates with his precocious on-field skills, Jackson Holliday repeats what he had done some eight hours earlier; sign autographs. Lots of them.

It’s rinse and repeat, with the wunderkind devoting an unusually large amount of time to fans; both prior to and after just about every game he plays.

The 19-year-old shortstop, regarded as baseball’s top prospect by MLB.com, signs a familiar assortment of items adorned with his likeness.

There are magazine covers, cards, photos, and baseballs dangled in front of the phenom by boys and girls, men and women of all ages; each seeking a much-coveted signature from the son of a slugger, whose future is as bright as his blond locks.

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“I’m just trying to treat people the right way” Holliday told USA TODAY Sports. “I want to represent my family, and the Lord in the right way.”

The reason for the hysteria surrounding Holliday is rooted in what the 6-foot, 185-pound shortstop has accomplished in just over one year’s time.

After graduating from Stillwater High School, he was selected first overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2022 draft.

His first pro assignment was with the FCL Orioles where he hit .409 in eight games. He then spent 12 games with the Delmarva Shorebirds of the Carolina League to close out the 2022 season.

His meteoric rise continued this year in Delmarva where he batted .396, before being promoted to High-A Aberdeen. There, he had 35 RBI in 207 at-bats before landing with his current team, the Class AA Baysox.

In his first ten games with Bowie, Holliday hit .357.

As he’s flying up the Orioles system, the thought of packing up the “big old truck” which he’s used to relocate each time he gets promoted, and heading to the majors this season – and postseason – has crossed his mind.

“That would be a really neat experience, but who knows,” said Holliday.

Orioles general manager Mike Elias was recently asked about Holliday's potential promotion and said he "wouldn't rule it out" but that it would be "borderline unprecedented" for the teenager to climb above Double-A and reminded fans that Holliday "was in high school a year ago."

On the fast track

But whether Holliday, whose father Matt was a seven-time All-Star, plays in Camden Yards this year or down the road, at some point the O’s will welcome a player Baysox manager Kyle Moore said has a skill set “unlike anything I have ever seen.”

Moore called Holliday “electric” and a must-see attraction for any and all baseball fans.

“If you were to sit there and not know that a number one prospect was on the field, before you left the game you would say, ‘that’s the guy right there’,” said Moore.

Holliday’s teammate Billy Cook also marveled at what Holliday brings to the game.

“He’s a complete player,” said Cook. “He has power, contact skills (and) a great eye at the plate. The hard stuff comes natural for him and that’s what makes him so amazing.”

Holliday has already met his target of reaching Double-A this season, but remains hungry to build off his success by getting bigger, stronger, and faster.

“That’s the goal,” said Holliday. “I think that is the main difference between guys that are in Double-A and guys that are in the big leagues.”

Aside from improving his physical tools, the Oklahoma native utilizes analytics to enhance his offensive output.

“I enjoy looking at how hard I hit the ball,” said Holliday. “You want to try to hit the ball at the optimal launch angle because there are the most hits in that.”

'Hasn't been a better time to be an Oriole'

His skipper is quick to add baseball IQ to the list of weapons in Holliday’s arsenal.

“His mind works a couple of plays ahead,” said Moore who has aided in the development of multiple Orioles including Adley Rutschman, Cedric Mullins, Austin Hays, and Gunnar Henderson through the system.

“A lot of guys have had tools, and a lot of guys have been able to run really fast and catch and all that stuff, but not many guys think two or three plays ahead in the game like Jackson does.”

That combination of skills and baseball acumen have led Holliday to where he currently resides – atop most top prospects lists.

And if all goes to plan, that will allow the shortstop to thrive with an Orioles team widely considered one of the best young squads in baseball.

“It’s very exciting,” said Holliday. “I’m very blessed to be a part of such an amazing organization, especially right now with all this young talent.”

Moore echoed Holliday’s optimism saying, “there hasn’t been a better time to be an Oriole.”

There’s no better reason for that positive outlook than the promise of their teenage prodigy.