"Gunnar Henderson not giving you shortstop out of his cold dead hand" - Orioles sportscaster demands Jackson Holliday adjust to second base
Jackson Holliday struggled at the plate in his rookie year, going 2-for-34 in his first 10 games before being optioned back to the minors. He had a better showing once he returned on July 31 but ended the year with a .189 batting average. The Baltimore Orioles have high hopes for him in the 2025 season, given he was the franchise's No. 1 pick in the 2022 MLB draft.
The Orioles second baseman will look to solidify his spot on the roster by doing well in spring training.
During Tuesday's episode of MLB Hot Stove, Orioles sportscaster Melanie Newman spoke about offseason adjustments Holliday must make, especially at second base, if he wants to nail down an Opening Day spot.
"I've watched his body a little bit. I've talked to the coaches," Newman said.
"They said they've never seen a player take his physical steps forward as he did in such a short time last year. I think there's been a lot of play, especially with his body movement at the plate in terms of that leg kick that he's had his entire life, working more through his legs and planting himself."
Holliday was a shortstop entering the majors. However, if he wants to be in the lineup, he will likely have to play second base since Gunnar Henderson, who plays shortstop, is coming off a great season.
"That's who I want to see take a step forward because that's another reminder," Newman added.
"He was not a second baseman, but Gunnar's not going to give you shortstop out of his cold, dead hand. So it's time to move over and figure out those double plays."
Jackson Holliday needs to put "noise away" to match father Matt Holliday's legacy, says Melanie Newman
Jackson is the son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday. Coming from a baseball family, expectations remain sky-high for the youngster.
However, Melanie Newman believes Holliday needs to put such noise behind him and concentrate on what's at hand.
"I think for Holliday, it's about getting some of that noise away from 'You're this guy's son. 'No, he's my dad,'" Newman said on Hot Stove.
Jackson Holliday will look to put on a better showing in his sophomore season.