Jackson Holliday Takes Center Stage For Orioles Opening Day

As the Baltimore Orioles gear up for the 2025 MLB season, all eyes are on Jackson Holliday, who will step into the spotlight as the starting shortstop on Opening Day against the Toronto Blue Jays. This matchup is set for Thursday, March 27, 2025, with first pitch scheduled for 3:07 p.m. ET. Holliday, who was drafted first overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, faces a critical moment in his young career after struggling in his debut season.

Last year, Holliday played 60 games for the Orioles, posting a disappointing slash line of .189/.255/.311, which included five home runs and four stolen bases. Despite these struggles, he showed promise at the Triple-A level, where he excelled with a .271/.431/.477 line, hitting 25 doubles and 10 home runs over 73 games. His elite speed, ranking in the 95th percentile for sprint speed, adds an exciting dimension to his game.

With Gunnar Henderson starting the season on the injured list, Holliday is poised to take on the bulk of the shortstop duties until Henderson returns. Manager Brandon Hyde has placed him in the ninth spot in the batting order, which raises questions about his ability to meet the expectations set by his status as a top prospect.

In the Opening Day lineup, Holliday will be flanked by Colton Cowser in left field, Adley Rutschman behind the plate, Jordan Westburg at second base, Ryan O'Hearn as the designated hitter, Tyler O'Neill in right field, Ryan Mountcastle at first base, Cedric Mullins in center field, and Ramón Urías at third base. Zach Eflin will take the mound as the starting pitcher.

Former Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy, who has been working with the team as a spring training guest coach, expressed confidence in Holliday's abilities. “First of all, I think Jackson’s a good enough athlete to do it and [shortstop is] the position he grew up playing,” Hardy said on Glenn Clark Radio. He emphasized that the coaching staff's decision to start Holliday at shortstop is strategic and well-considered.

Holliday has experience at both shortstop and second base, having started eight games at each position during spring training. Hardy noted that while Holliday’s long-term role may be at second base, he is more than capable of handling the demands of shortstop in the interim. “There are a few things that definitely factor in,” Hardy explained, acknowledging the challenges of transitioning between positions.

The Orioles' Opening Day lineup reflects a significant shift from what many expected at the start of spring training due to Henderson's injury. This change has forced the team to adapt, with Holliday taking center stage. The Orioles are hopeful that Holliday can rise to the occasion and contribute significantly as they aim for a competitive season in the American League East.

As the season unfolds, the pressure will be on Holliday to prove that he can live up to the hype surrounding his selection as the top pick. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can improve upon his rookie numbers and help lead the Orioles to success.

With a roster that has potential but is also dealing with injuries to key players, including Henderson, Grayson Rodriguez, and others, the Orioles will need Holliday to step up. The team is looking to contend for the AL East crown and secure a playoff spot, making every game crucial.

In the meantime, the Orioles are optimistic about their prospects for the season. The absence of Henderson is a blow, but with players like Holliday stepping into larger roles, there is hope for a strong performance. The challenge will be to maintain momentum and build on the excitement of the season as it progresses.

As the Baltimore Orioles kick off their 2025 campaign, the focus on Jackson Holliday will be intense. Can he rise to the occasion and help his team succeed? Only time will tell, but the anticipation surrounding his performance is palpable.

In conclusion, the Orioles' Opening Day against the Blue Jays marks a pivotal moment for Jackson Holliday. With the weight of expectations on his shoulders, he has the opportunity to prove himself as a key player for the franchise. The fans are eager to see how he performs and whether he can help lead the Orioles to a successful season.