Overview

• Jackson Holliday, the Baltimore Orioles' top prospect, will not start the 2024 season in the major leagues despite an impressive spring training.
• The decision has sparked debate over service time manipulation and the Orioles' long-term strategy, with some suggesting the move is designed to extend Holliday's contract with the team.
• Holliday showcased significant improvement this spring, hitting over .300 with a .954 OPS and demonstrating solid defense at second base.
• Orioles GM Mike Elias cited Holliday's need for more experience, particularly against left-handed pitching, as a reason for the reassignment to AAA.
• Critics argue that keeping Holliday in the minors could impact the Orioles' performance in 2024, a year they aim to build on recent successes and compete for a championship.