The hype and vibe with the Baltimore Orioles is as strong as it’s been in years.
Following several basement-filled seasons, the O’s have finally emerged as legitimate World Series contenders.
They certainly started the 2024 season off with a bang yesterday as they throttled the Los Angeles Angels 11-3.
If Cedric Mullins can have a big year for the Baltimore Orioles then the sky is the limit pic.twitter.com/49UQhBW8gA
— 𝙆am Brice (@kambrice1tv) March 28, 2024
Opening Day was a massive success for Orioles fans pic.twitter.com/2i2uTRNSpQ
— FOX Baltimore (@FOXBaltimore) March 29, 2024
As well-built as they currently are, the vast majority of Orioles fans wish that 20-year-old phenom Jackson Holliday was up the big club – but he’s not.
Baltimore made the decision to send the highly-touted infielder down to the Triple-A, despite his electrifying performance throughout spring training.
Routine ground ball to the shortstop by Jackson Holliday annnnnnnnd he’s safe. Safe to say the kid wants to make the team. pic.twitter.com/HxVlYZtRaz
— 野球しようぜ (@7hodvj9oCM78910) March 21, 2024
The O’s cited Holliday’s transition from shortstop to second base as a key factor in sending him down to the minors.
General manager Mike Elias, who initially expressed optimism about Holliday’s chances if he performed well, emphasized the need for further development in Triple-A.
"Some friends of mine in Baltimore, actually, one in the media who is disgusted with this decision…he's absolutely upset with it."@Ken_Rosenthal weighs in on the sharp reaction to Jackson Holliday being left off the @Orioles opening day roster
▶️ https://t.co/2zBa9cPqjI pic.twitter.com/wR3mEvHTo5
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 26, 2024
Jackson’s famous father, Matt, reacted to the news that his son won’t be cracking the Major League roster now, or seemingly any time soon.
Speaking to 590 The Fan in St. Louis, the former All-Star expressed his understanding with the Orioles decision and pointed out the business aspect of the move.
“There’s a business element to this, and there’s no way around it,” Matt Holliday said. “Just like the player will have the opportunity to turn this into a business at some point, everybody is going to look out for what’s best for them, and you just have to deal with it.”
Jackson Holliday never had a backup plan. He didn't need one.
@afkostka on Holliday's journey to stardom: https://t.co/Z7Aufgptjg pic.twitter.com/KqOd5yy6ud— Baltimore Banner Sports (@AllBannerSports) March 21, 2024
Despite the setback, Matt expressed confidence in his son’s ability to overcome the challenge and eventually ascend to the majors.
“It’s a good learning lesson,” he remarked. “It’s a good opportunity for him to learn and to grow and to be tough. To just, like I said, move on and go play and go play well. He’ll be up there soon.”
lol they said “thanks kid, no thanks kid” my opinion tho. But he’s a dam good ball player
— xChuckWagonx (@realChuckWagonx) March 22, 2024
Jackson Holliday, who boasted an impressive .311/.354/.600 batting line in 15 spring games, will now focus on honing his skills in Triple-A, awaiting another opportunity to showcase his talent at the highest level.
New @Orioles ownership just bought everyone beer at Pickles Pub pic.twitter.com/0tcvkCIT59
— Khiree Stewart (@khireewbal) March 28, 2024
Matt Holliday also touched upon the financial implications of the Orioles decision, highlighting the organization’s ability to delay the start of Jackson’s service clock by keeping him in the minors.
“It could save them a year of him before he’s in free agency,” Matt said. “As a 20-year-old, they have a really talented roster, so I’m not going to accuse anybody of anything, but I think it’s just the idea that there is a business element to it and it’s just one of those things where it’s part of the game.”
“If he goes out and gets first or second in Rookie of the Year, then he’ll have a chance to earn the service time back.”
Wow! A day like no other. Thanks to the best fans, the best players, the best front office, the best back office, and the loyal weather gods for delivering a day and a game I'll cherish forever. Forgive me in advance, but here come a lot of pictures from today. Go @Orioles pic.twitter.com/MAfL81oLTB
— David M. Rubenstein (@DM_Rubenstein) March 29, 2024
Being the top-rated prospect in all of baseball, Jackson seems to be as close to a sure-thing as you can have.
It’s only a matter of time before he’s up in the Majors and the O’s will certainly be better for it.
He’s lucky to have a father as wise as Matt to help guide him through what lies ahead.
Exactly. Gunnar and Adley are the foundation until proven otherwise. Holliday in May is fine. Finishing top 2 in division is and getting hot in September is all we need for the next 5-6 years. WS is all that matters.
— Jeff Klein (@jeffklein99) March 23, 2024
What are your thoughts on the O’s decision to send Holliday down?
When do you think they’ll call him back up?
In the bigger picture, what’s your expectations for Baltimore this season?
Will they make – and possibly win – the World Series???
Former 7x All-Star, 2x Silver slugger, St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Famer and Stillwater resident, Matt Holliday, was listed on the MLB Hall of Fame Ballot earlier today.
I got the chance to ask Holliday how it felt to see his name on such a prestigious list. pic.twitter.com/8UVugORuuz
— Connor Burgan (@BurganConnor) November 20, 2023