Orioles say Jackson Holliday’s 2026 lessons set up a more complete 2027

Baltimore’s second baseman is fresh off a season impacted by hand and wrist issues, but the club points to clearer platoon performance and a late-season surge as the core positives heading into next year.

By The Apex Times Newsroom2 min readAI-assisted Apex article

Jackson Holliday is entering his fourth MLB season with a single, practical goal, to turn the flashes of production he’s shown into something steadier in 2027. The Orioles framed that expectation around what they believe is a young player still learning the full job description of everyday impact, not just occasional good stretches.

Holliday, Baltimore’s second baseman, will turn 23 on Dec. 4. He made his major league debut April 10, 2024, at Fenway Park and carried the weight of being the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2022. By the time he finished 2026, he had played 307 big league games across three seasons, and the Orioles characterized him as still early in his career.

The club’s review of 2026 is rooted in a season disrupted by two procedures. He had right hamate surgery on Feb. 12, which pushed his 2026 debut back to May 19. Later, he dealt with left wrist inflammation and eventually underwent a repair of a partial TFCC tear on Sept. 29. MLB also reports that the Orioles expect that surgery will not prevent him from being ready for 2027.

Baltimore also cited specific developmental progress from the season itself. Holliday became more platoon-neutral, with his production against left-handed pitchers (.235 average,.632 OPS) described as similar to his numbers versus right-handers (.226 average,.643 OPS). The Orioles also highlighted one of his strongest windows as a big leaguer: July, when he hit.368 (21-for-57) with three doubles, six RBIs, 16 walks, and a.921 OPS across 23 games.

The Orioles’ faith goes beyond one month. Since moving from shortstop to second base in Spring Training 2024, Holliday has dealt with growing pains, but Baltimore said there has been enough improvement for the organization to keep planning him as a long-term answer at the position.

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said the team believes Holliday’s talent and baseball mind are translating, and that his age relative to other top prospects from his draft class still suggests the upside is not exhausted. Elias added that Holliday’s fit at second base will be a part of Baltimore’s planning this winter, as the team works to help him reach the complete-season level it expects.

Holliday’s offseason focus, according to the team report, includes recovery and continued work, with one extra advantage from his clubhouse. Baltimore noted that getting to watch and learn from new teammate Pete Alonso during 2026 was beneficial, and Holliday said he hopes to build off that relationship heading into the next season.

Why It Matters

If Holliday’s improved platoon-neutral profile holds, it gives the Orioles a more predictable middle-infield bat and more lineup flexibility as 2027 approaches.
The hand and wrist surgeries matter for roster planning because availability and spring-readiness are typically the biggest unknown after late-season medical work.
Baltimore’s confidence in his fit at second base shapes how the organization allocates playing time and development reps across the infield.
Holliday’s next step is moving from standout months to full-season consistency, which directly affects the Orioles’ ability to build a stable core around him.

Sources

Key Facts

Jackson Holliday is Baltimore’s second baseman and will turn 23 on Dec. 4.
His 2026 season began after right hamate surgery on Feb. 12, delaying his debut until May 19.
Holliday later underwent surgery for a partial TFCC tear on Sept. 29 after left wrist inflammation.
The Orioles pointed to improved platoon performance in 2026, with similar batting average and OPS versus lefties and righties.
Baltimore highlighted a July surge, when Holliday hit.368 (21-for-57) with a.921 OPS across 23 games.
Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said the team still believes Holliday can reach more of his potential at second base and that it fits their long-term planning.