MLB insider opens up on Jackson Holliday trade rumors, shares why Orioles should avoid a deadline deal - "None available are good enough"
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday's name is buzzing with several speculations tying him to a trade for AL Cy Young contender and Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. The Orioles are reported to be in talks with the Tigers, with Skubal's service in focus.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Orioles have a decision to make on how much they can give up for the All-Star ace and whether it includes baseball's top prospect.
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal opened up on the subject in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda's Dan Connolly. On being asked if he would trade Holliday by this trade deadline, Rosenthal said:
“No. The reason I will say that is because none of the starting pitchers who are available are good enough for a Jackson Holliday trade. Even Tarik Skubal. Skubal has two-and-a-half years left of control versus six years of Jackson Holliday, who might be an All-Star position player.”
“Skubal also has health concerns, like any pitcher,” Rosenthal added. “There’s no question he’d be an upgrade to the rotation in Baltimore, but, I’m sorry, I ride Jackson Holliday as my starting second baseman going forward.”
Earlier this season, Holliday did impress with his spring and minor league outings, which prompted the Orioles to call him up. However, what followed was a disaster. Holliday could only manage two hits in 34 plate appearances in 10 games, after which the club optioned him back to the minors.
Orioles were willing to trade Jackson Holliday for Pirates ace, per source
Trading Holliday seems unrealistic, but if sources are to be believed, at some point in 2024, the Orioles were willing to trade him for the Pittsburgh Pirates' young ace, Jared Jones. Citing Dejan Kovacevic of DK Pittsburgh Sports, Kyle Corwin reported this on X:
"The Orioles, at an unknown point this year, approached the Pirates about a trade that would have sent Jared Jones to the Orioles and Jackson Holliday to Pirates."
Though initially dismissed by Fansided's Robert Murray, former reporter Nick Cammuso backed up the claims with a screenshot.
It's hard to believe the Orioles would trade their star prospect, but given that they are well positioned to make a deep run in the postseason and their desperation to keep up with the Yankees in their division, anything can happen this trade deadline, and that includes Holliday.