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To all the stat junkies out there, it’s time to sit up and take notice. The Orioles have finally called up Jackson Holliday, the number-one prospect in all of baseball, and he’s ready to make some serious waves in the fantasy world.
Let’s cut to the chase, Holliday’s minor league numbers are downright ridiculous. In a short span, he’s dominated at every level of the minors, showcasing a blend of power, speed, and defensive prowess that’s rare for a player his age. In 2023, Holliday posted a .323 average, 12 home runs, and 32 steals across multiple levels. His ability to quickly adjust to higher-ranked competition is a testament to his advanced approach at the plate and his high baseball IQ.
MLB's No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday delivers back-to-back two-hit performance for the @Orioles ⚡️
Since being recalled to The Show, the 20-year-old has gone 5-for-14 with nine total bases and six RBIs. pic.twitter.com/rFYeCJ2gJY
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 4, 2024
How High Is Jackson Holliday's Fantasy Potential?
Holliday, the son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday, has been nothing short of sensational since being selected first overall in the 2022 MLB Draft. His game is built on a strong foundation of athleticism and baseball acumen, standing at six-foot-tall and weighing around 185 pounds, he has a lean frame that promises to add more muscle as he matures, potentially increasing his already notable power. Holliday’s left-handed swing is smooth and generates excellent bat speed, allowing him to drive the ball to all fields.
Defensively, Holliday is as polished as they come. His range, arm strength, and quick reflexes make him a natural at shortstop and he’s shown the capability to make highlight-reel plays with regularity. His speed not only aids his defensive play but also makes him a threat on the base paths, adding another dimension to his game.
Jackson Holliday is the youngest player in @Orioles history to hit a grand slam! 🔥#MLB | #Birdlandpic.twitter.com/KUJQUswP9R
— Baseball Reference (@baseball_ref) July 31, 2024
With Holliday in the mix, the entire Orioles offense gets a boost. Keep a close eye on guys like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson. They could see better pitches and more RBI opportunities with Holliday in the lineup.
When Might Jackson Holliday Get A Major-League Opportunity?
He's here and he's starting to get comfortable. Holliday's first taste of the big leagues in April was rougher than expected. He slashed a dismal .059/.111/.059, leaving many fantasy managers wondering if they'd jumped the gun. Even the greats struggle initially, even Mike Trout's first call-up wasn't too pretty.
Fast forward to August, and we're seeing a completely different player. In his last few games, Holliday's hitting .357 with a .438 OBP. On July 31, in his first game back with the big league club, he crushed his first home run, a grand slam, becoming the youngest Oriole ever to hit one out with the bases loaded. That's the kind of performance that makes fantasy managers build confidence quickly.
For dynasty and keeper league players, this is a no-brainer. Holliday's long-term potential is off the charts. If he's somehow still available, go grab him right now. You'll be kicking yourself for years if you don't. However, even in redraft leagues, Holliday is a high-upside stash. If you've got the bench space to weather some potential ups and downs, the payoff could be massive. We're talking about a potential five-category contributor for the stretch run. Keep in mind, the window to add Holliday is closing rapidly, with 72% ownership in Yahoo leagues, 44% in ESPN leagues, and 85% in CBS leagues, he shouldn't last more than another few days on the waiver wire in any leagues that matter.
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