Jackson Holliday Bio
Jackson Matthew Holliday is an American professional baseball infielder for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was selected first overall by the Orioles in the 2022 MLB draft and made his MLB debut in 2024. He is the son of former MLB All-Star Matt Holliday.
Early Life and Background
Jackson Holliday was born on December 4, 2003. He attended Stillwater High School in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he showcased his baseball talent early on. After his freshman year, Holliday committed to play college baseball at Oklahoma State University. During his junior year in 2021, he achieved a remarkable .501 batting average with six home runs and 50 runs batted in, earning the title of Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. That summer, he participated in various national events, including the Perfect Game All-American Classic at Petco Park, and was named to USA Baseball’s 18-and-under team. Holliday entered his senior year in 2022 as a top prospect for the upcoming draft. He had an impressive season, hitting three home runs in a single game against Union High School and two home runs in one inning in another game. He finished the season with a .685 batting average, 17 home runs, 79 RBIs, 29 doubles, and 30 stolen bases over 40 games. Holliday set a national record for hits in a season for an amateur player with 89, surpassing the previous record of 88 set by J. T. Realmuto in 2010. He was named the Oklahoma Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year, joining his father and uncle as recipients of this prestigious award. Additionally, he received an ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove.
Path to Baseball
Jackson Holliday’s journey to professional baseball began with his exceptional performances in high school. His skills on the field caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the Baltimore Orioles with the first overall pick in the 2022 Major League Baseball draft. He signed with the team for $8.19 million, marking the largest signing bonus ever for a high school player. Holliday made his professional debut on August 11, 2022, with the Rookie-level Florida Complex League Orioles, where he went 1-for-3 with a stolen base. He later advanced to the Delmarva Shorebirds of the Single-A Carolina League, where he batted .297 with one home run, nine RBIs, and four stolen bases over twenty games. In 2023, Holliday continued to impress, starting the season with the Shorebirds and batting .396/.522/.660 with six doubles, one triple, two home runs, and 16 RBIs in just 14 games. He was promoted twice during the first four months of the season, first to the High–A Aberdeen IronBirds and then to the Double–A Bowie Baysox. His performance with the IronBirds included a .314 batting average with 11 doubles, five triples, five home runs, and 35 RBIs in 57 games. He finished the season with a .321 average and .949 on-base plus slugging (OPS) in Minor League Baseball, earning the title of Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year.
Jackson Holliday Career
Early Career (2022-2023)
Jackson Holliday’s early career began with his selection as the first overall pick by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2022 MLB draft. He made his professional debut in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League and quickly made an impact in the minor leagues. His notable achievements during this period included a strong batting average and multiple promotions through the Orioles’ minor league system.
Breakthrough (2024-Present)
Holliday’s breakthrough moment came on April 10, 2024, when he was promoted to the major leagues for the first time. He made his MLB debut as a second baseman against the Boston Red Sox, where he recorded his first major league hit in a subsequent game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite facing challenges early in his MLB career, including a batting average of .059 in his first ten games, he displayed resilience and determination. On July 31, 2024, he was recalled by the Orioles and hit his first major league home run, a grand slam against the Toronto Blue Jays. He achieved his first four-hit MLB game on August 16, 2024, showcasing his potential as a rising star in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Jackson Holliday’s signature work includes his impressive performances during his rookie season, where he demonstrated his ability to contribute to the Orioles’ lineup. His achievements include hitting his first major league home run and achieving multiple hits in key games.
Jackson Holliday Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jackson Holliday has received recognition for his outstanding performances, including being named Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year.
Jackson Holliday Awards Won
Jackson Holliday has earned several accolades, including the Oklahoma Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year and the ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove, highlighting his defensive skills and overall contributions to the game.
Jackson Holliday Family
Jackson Holliday is the son of former major leaguer and seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday and the grandson of coach Tom Holliday. His family has a rich baseball heritage, with his brother, Ethan, being selected with the fourth pick in the 2025 MLB draft by the Colorado Rockies. His uncle, Josh Holliday, serves as the head baseball coach at Oklahoma State University.
Personal Life
On December 28, 2022, Jackson Holliday got engaged to his girlfriend, Chloé Cox, and they were married on January 6, 2024. Their relationship has been a source of support as he navigates his burgeoning baseball career.