Should the Orioles promote top prospect for postseason run?
The Baltimore Orioles have the American League's best record (79-48) and the second-best record in MLB. The Orioles' ceiling in 2023 is, of course, a World Series appearance, while their floor is eliminated in the wild-card round.
Despite their success this summer, Baltimore's roster needs some help. The pitching staff has rounded into form, but the lineup could use a boost; mainly from the shortstop position. Orioles shortstops are tied for 20th in SS WAR (1.3), slashing a subpar .222/.272/.386.
Jorge Mateo has played 98 games at shortstop this summer but has struggled immensely at the plate, hitting just .209 with a .602 OPS. Mateo has not belted a home run that's cleared the fences since April, but did hit an inside-the-park homer on Aug. 20.
Gunnar Henderson has primarily played at third base this season but has also played shortstop. Henderson is an AL Rookie of the Year candidate but isn't even the best shortstop in the Baltimore organization. That distinction belongs to Jackson Holliday.
Holliday, the son of former big leaguer Matt Holliday, is Baltimore's No. 1 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. The 19-year-old first-overall pick in the 2022 draft has been tearing it up in the minor leagues.
Holliday started this season at Single-A ball, was promoted to High-A, and is now at Double-A. The youngster has accumulated 368 at-bats this year, racking up an impressive .332/.455/.979 slash line, with 10 home runs, 65 RBI and 21 stolen bases.
So, should the Orioles promote him to the majors prior to their likely postseason run?
A 19-year-old starting at baseball's most crucial infield position in October seems like a big ask, but we have seen youngsters thrive in the playoffs. A rookie shortstop, Jeremy Pena, was the World Series MVP last fall. Juan Soto was just 19 when he posted a .927 OPS in the 2019 playoffs and was the critical offensive force that helped the Nationals win their first World Series.
The Orioles aren't worried about playing rookies in the playoffs. Even if Baltimore keeps Holliday in the minors this year, two rookies, Henderson and Jordan Westburg, would open October as the starters on the left side of the diamond.
One thing we know is true, Henderson is going to start at either short or third. The O's management must decide whether Holliday, Mateo, or Westburg starting alongside Henderson gives them the best chance to reach their World Series ceiling.
Based on pure talent and potential, Holliday seems like the obvious choice.
More must-reads: