The Baltimore Orioles announced an update on former top prospect Jackson Holliday.
The Baltimore Orioles are entering the 2026 season with high expectations, and one of their most important young players is now a step closer to returning. After dealing with an early injury at spring training, Jackson Holliday is progressing toward game action at the right time.
Holliday suffered a fractured right hamate bone while taking batting practice on February 6 and underwent surgery on February 12 to remove the damaged bone. Since then, he has steadily worked his way back, participating in baseball activities and taking swings at spring training. Now, he is ready for the next phase of his recovery.
That next step was confirmed with an encouraging update on Wednesday from the Orioles. Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reported, “Jackson Holliday is starting his rehab assignment Friday in Norfolk as expected, the Orioles just announced. The earliest Holliday can return to the Orioles is April 1.”
This development is significant for both Holliday and the Orioles. It all but ensures that his return to the major‑league lineup will come shortly after Opening Day, which had been the organization’s goal throughout his recovery process. Missing only a small portion of the season is a best‑case scenario given the nature of his injury.
Holliday’s return will be a major boost for a team looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and return to the MLB playoffs. Baltimore was aggressive in the offseason adding proven All-Stars to its lineup including superstar first baseman Pete Alonso, building a deeper and more competitive roster with the expectation of returning to the postseason. Having Holliday back early in the year could be a key factor in that push.
The 22‑year‑old, who was once the top prospect in baseball and the first overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft out of high school, experienced growing pains during his first full MLB season in 2025.
He hit .242 with a .314 on‑base percentage and a .690 OPS, along with 17 home runs, 55 RBIs and 17 stolen bases. While those numbers showed flashes of potential, they also highlighted areas for improvement, particularly with consistency and defense.
Still, expectations remain extremely high. Holliday is widely viewed as a foundational piece of the Orioles future, and his talent suggests a breakout could be on the horizon.
If he can take that next step in 2026, his early return from injury may end up playing a pivotal role in Baltimore’s success.