Jackson Holliday Shines as Orioles’ Leadoff Hitter

MILWAUKEE — Baltimore Orioles rookie Jackson Holliday has made a significant impact this season, stepping into the leadoff spot and thriving at the plate. During the team’s recent games, Holliday has batted first in eight out of the last nine contests, showcasing his talent and adaptability.

Interim manager Tony Mansolino mentioned that although it’s uncertain if Holliday will remain in the leadoff position permanently, he acknowledged, “Holliday may grab this thing and run and never leave.” This praise reflects Holliday’s performance, contributing to the team’s overall success.

Holliday recorded three hits in one of his final games last season, igniting his desire to lead off. “It’s an honor to be able to lead off for a big league team. I trained for, it feels like, a year and a half to hit leadoff for the Orioles,” Holliday said. “There’s a sense of pride in being the leadoff guy, for sure.”

Speed is another asset to Holliday’s game. He has focused on stealing bases, although he has been caught four times in six attempts this season. Despite the challenges, he remains determined to enhance his dynamic play on the field. His teammate Gunnar Henderson supports Holliday’s aggressive approach, noting that in today’s game, leadoff hitters can seize early-pitch opportunities rather than waiting.

Before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Holliday had a 38.8% first-pitch swing rate, significantly above Henderson’s. Although he struggles with strikeouts, he has maintained a solid batting average. Holliday is currently on an eight-game hitting streak, which he extended with an 11th-inning RBI single in a recent game.

Since adjusting his hand position on April 23, Holliday has excelled, batting .314 with an .884 on-base-plus-slugging percentage leading into Wednesday’s game. His swing adjustments have resulted in nearly half of his hits coming off the bat at 95 mph or faster.

“I feel… with the more vertical bat, it’s helped me, freed me up to turn on the ball through the pull-side gap,” Holliday explained. His recent performance reinforces his growing confidence and effectiveness as the leadoff hitter.

As long as Holliday continues to find success in this role, he hopes to support his teammates behind him, believing that good things happen when he gets on base. “If I hit a homer here and there, that’s great, but I prefer to hit doubles, singles, spray the ball around the yard,” he said.