Jackson Holliday: The worst MLB start in 34 years

The highly touted baseball phenom has stumbled out of the gate, facing one of the most challenging starts to a professional MLB career witnessed in recent years. Through nine games with the Baltimore Orioles, Jackson Holliday has mustered just one hit – a lone single – in his first 30 at-bats, marking a disheartening beginning for the franchise's top prospect.

Reflecting on his struggles, Holliday candidly shared his experience with The Athletic, acknowledging the inevitable search for adjustments amidst adversity.

Since his call-up on April 10, the 20-year-old infielder has grappled with the demands of major league competition, garnering scrutiny as he strives to find his footing. Despite breaking through with a hit after 14 at-bats, Holliday has been ensnared in an 0-for-16 cold streak, compounding his early struggles. Notably, his .033 batting average and .127 OPS stand as the lowest recorded through a player's first nine career games with a minimum of 30 at-bats since Gary Disarcina in 1990.

Holliday's journey to the majors was heralded by his remarkable performance in the minor leagues, where he boasted impressive statistics, including a .321 batting average, 15 home runs, and a stellar .949 OPS across 155 games. Furthermore, his promising display in Spring Training, hitting .311 with a .954 OPS, and subsequent success in Triple-A, batting .333 with a 1.077 OPS in 10 games, heightened anticipation for his major league debut.

Despite Holliday's struggles, the Orioles have managed to secure victories in seven out of nine games when he takes the field, contributing to their impressive 7-2 record and positioning as one of baseball's top teams. However, as the Orioles set their sights on defending their AL East title and vying for World Series contention, the organization faces a critical decision regarding Holliday's future in the majors. While he is afforded ample opportunity to navigate through his slump, the team must weigh the balance between patience and performance as they assess his ongoing development on the grand stage.