BALTIMORE -- As a kid, Jackson Holliday was a frequent attendee of the MLB All-Star Game. He was alive for all seven of his dad’s trips to the Midsummer Classic, as Matt made it three straight years with the Rockies (2006-08) and four times for the Cardinals (‘10-12, ‘15).
At 21, the younger Holliday is bolstering his case to become a first-time All-Star in 2025.
Holliday hit a three-run homer and recorded a career-high-tying four RBIs in the Orioles’ series-opening 6-0 win over the Rangers on Monday night at Camden Yards. He laced an RBI double off Texas left-hander Patrick Corbin in the third for the game’s first run, then broke it open by going deep in the fifth. He also added a single in the eighth for his seventh three-hit showing of the season.
It was Holliday’s third four-RBI game. He also reached the mark on July 31, 2024, (when he slugged a Eutaw Street grand slam for his first MLB homer vs. the Blue Jays) and on April 16 (when he hit his second career slam against the Guardians, a performance dedicated to his dog Coconut on Bark at the Park Night).
In Monday’s All-Star Game voting update, Holliday ranked second among American League second basemen with 806,133 votes, behind only Detroit’s Gleyber Torres (1,133,888) and narrowly ahead of Houston’s Jose Altuve (795,123). The top two vote-getters at the position will advance to Phase 2 (June 30-July 2).
Fans can vote five times a day during Phase 1, which ends Thursday at noon ET.
“It’s quite a blessing to even be in this situation. But to be able to be on All-Star voting is pretty awesome,” Holliday said. “I’m very blessed and lucky to be in this situation. Whatever happens, happens, but it’s an honor either way.”
Through 71 games, Holliday is hitting .265 with 12 doubles, two triples, nine home runs, 32 RBIs and a .735 OPS. It’s been a breakout sophomore season for the former top overall prospect, who struggled for the majority of his 60 games over two big league stints as a rookie in 2024.
Last year, the left-handed-hitting Holliday was often benched when the Orioles faced left-handed starting pitchers, and that was the case again early in 2025. But he’s faring much better vs. southpaws of late, hitting .367 (11-for-30) with two homers against them in June.
Soon after Tony Mansolino became Baltimore’s interim manager on May 17, he had a conversation with Holliday in which he told the 2022 No. 1 overall Draft pick he’d be getting an extended run as the leadoff hitter. Mansolino said he told somebody in the O’s dugout on Monday night, “This is your leadoff hitter at least for the next five years.”
“I don't think this kid goes anywhere else in the lineup,” Mansolino said. “I took him out of the leadoff spot against [Tigers ace Tarik] Skubal [on June 12]. I don't think I'll ever do that [again]. I think he's probably staying there, barring something unforeseen."
Told about Mansolino’s latest comments, Holliday was eager to further solidify his role.
“It’s really cool. Really cool to hear that,” Holliday said. “It means a lot to have his trust and to be able to lead off for such a great team and, hopefully, set the tone for a while.”
Holliday’s latest strong performance backed a career night for left-hander Trevor Rogers, who was masterful over a career-high eight innings. The 27-year-old southpaw limited Texas to three hits (all singles) while not issuing any walks and striking out four in a 101-pitch outing.
It was Rogers’ second scoreless outing in three starts for Baltimore this season, and he became the first O’s pitcher to complete eight innings in a regular-season appearance since Kyle Bradish on Sept. 26, 2023, vs. the Nationals.
Rogers was appreciative of the offensive support from Holliday, of course.
“He’s going to be good for a long time, just to see the work he puts in every day,” Rogers said.
The Orioles would love to have as many All-Star representatives as possible. Holliday isn’t the only strong candidate, as Ryan O’Hearn has a comfy lead at AL designated hitter and appears well on his way to becoming a first-time selection.
But Mansolino has bigger aspirations for Holliday than an All-Star appearance. He thinks there’s much more in store down the line.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” Mansolino said. “When I look at Jackson, I'm not concerned about the All-Star thing right now. It's like, 'How do we get this kid to be one of the top five players in the game by 2027?' That's how I look at Jackson."