Opening Day of MLB 2025: 100 Players to Keep an Eye on Before the New Season | Jackson Holliday, No. 98
Jackson Holliday: A Glimpse at 2025 Expectations
Once regarded as the top prospect in baseball, Jackson Holliday’s initial stints in the MLB with the Baltimore Orioles were underwhelming. However, as he enters his age-21 season, there’s plenty of optimism surrounding the young infielder’s future.
2024 Struggles
Holliday’s debut season showcased growing pains typical of a young player adjusting to the major leagues.
- 60 games played
- Batting average: .189
- Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+): 63
- 5 home runs and 4 stolen bases
- Defensive struggles: -3 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) in 474.2 innings at second base and shortstop
- Overall contribution: 0.0 fWAR
Despite these challenges, Holliday showed resilience, improving his performance against left-handed pitching after a stint in the minors.
The Path Forward in 2025
With the Orioles relying on their young core and not making major free-agent moves, Holliday is expected to play a significant role. His talent and potential remain evident, and a full offseason to refine his game could lead to a breakout year.
FanGraphs Projections for 2025
- Games played: 109
- Batting average: .234
- Home runs: 11
- Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+): 108
- Wins Above Replacement (fWAR): 2.2
Sportskeeda’s Prediction
Holliday is projected to exceed FanGraphs’ expectations slightly:
- Games played: 123
- Batting average: .246
- Home runs: 14
- Runs Batted In (RBI): 44
- Stolen bases: 13
- Weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+): 111
- Wins Above Replacement (fWAR): 2.9
Key Factors for Improvement
- Consistency at the Plate: Continued focus on plate discipline and pitch recognition will be vital for Holliday to boost his batting average and on-base percentage.
- Defensive Refinement: Improving his fielding metrics will enhance his overall value to the Orioles.
- Expanded Role: Gaining more playing time will allow Holliday to grow into a reliable everyday contributor.
Outlook
Jackson Holliday has the talent to rebound and establish himself as a cornerstone for the Orioles’ lineup. While his 2024 struggles highlighted the challenges of transitioning to the majors, his projected improvements suggest a bright future for the young star. Fans should keep an eye on his development as he takes on a more prominent role in 2025.
