Former Baltimore Orioles top prospect Jackson Holliday is a versatile middle infielder but is best suited for second base, despite some expectations that he would play shortstop in the majors. His arm strength isn’t on par with that of teammate Gunnar Henderson, which could cost the Orioles some close plays at first base.
Holliday made his first spring training appearance at shortstop in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He moved well overall at the position but did commit an error.
“Hopefully, Gunnar gets healthy soon so I can stay at second base until they need me elsewhere,” Holliday told the Baltimore Sun after the game. “I’m up for the challenge.”
Jackson Holliday has reason to worry about his Orioles future
Holliday acknowledged that the game felt faster for him at shortstop compared to second base. While the switch may seem minor to the average fan, second basemen play on the opposite side of the infield and must make longer, often off-balance throws.
“I think I got a little sped up,” Holliday admitted. “Obviously, playing shortstop for the first time in a while, you’d like a lot of action to get your feet under you. … I definitely would’ve liked to make that play and have a busier night, but just getting out there was good enough for me.”
Holliday has been notably candid about his journey through the Orioles’ minor league system and his confidence in his place at the MLB level. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde even expressed some concern about disrupting Holliday’s development as the team’s everyday second baseman by shifting him to shortstop.
“We felt really good about his progress at second base, but shortstop is his natural position,” Hyde said of Holliday. “It’s more about getting him reacquainted with it.”
Developing a young, potentially franchise-changing player like Holliday requires careful handling. While Henderson’s injury is significant enough to warrant moving Holliday back to his “natural” position, he was already adjusting to a new role at second base. This shift adds another layer of complexity, as Holliday will need to transition back to second once Henderson returns.
Baltimore lacks many alternatives, and Holliday is certainly capable, but the Orioles must exercise patience with him—especially if he faces challenges. It’s a significant responsibility for a 21-year-old.
