Report: Orioles won't call up MLB's top prospect this season

The Orioles have two rookies starting in their infield, but they won't add a third to bolster their October push.

According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, MLB's No. 1 overall prospect, Jackson Holliday, will not debut in 2023. 

Holliday was the first pick in the 2022 MLB Draft and has flown through the Orioles system. The 19-year-old started the season at Single-A and is now playing for his fourth team in 2023 – the Triple-A Norfolk Tides.

Across the four levels in 2023, Holliday has posted a ridiculous .332/.442/.499 slash line with a .911 OPS. The youngster has also struck out just 105 times in 431 at-bats while walking 91 times.

Holliday, a natural shortstop, can play both second base and third base. Given the struggles of veteran shortstop Jorge Mateo and third baseman Roman Urias at the plate for Baltimore this season, speculation began to build that Holliday would find his way to Baltimore this fall.

Since arriving in Norfolk, Holliday has struggled for the first time in his career. Through 29 at-bats, Holliday has posted a rough .172/.314/.241 batting line. Holiday has struck out just four times at Triple-A while walking six times

Holliday won't see the big leagues in 2023, but could he make the opening-day roster in 2024? Rosenthal thinks so.

"Would anyone be surprised if he cracked the Orioles' 2024 Opening Day roster?" Rosenthal pondered. "His position would not necessarily be shortstop, where Gunnar Henderson has established himself as a plus defender. But at the very least, Holliday could replace potential free agent Adam Frazier  as the team's left-handed hitting second baseman."

The Orioles may not be done calling up youngsters this year, as Rosenthal notes outfielder Heston Kjerstad, the club's No. 3 prospect, could join the team this month.