Orioles’ youngster tagged as potential ‘breakout candidate’ for 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Baltimore Orioles have been aggressive so far this offseason. They have been one of MLB’s busiest teams, filling holes left and right.
They shored up their starting rotation by acquiring Shane Baz and re-signing Zach Eflin while adding Ryan Helsley to the bullpen alongside Andrew Kittredge.
However, that was not the biggest move. They also signed Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million deal. Now, this club has built a ton of momentum for the 2026 season.
MORE: Orioles fans urged to keep a close eye on their No. 13 prospect in 2026
Orioles’ youngster tagged as potential ‘breakout candidate’ for 2026
While the fanbase should be excited about the new faces the team has signed, some old faces could be in store for a monster season. While Jackon Holliday struggled during his initial call-up in 2024, he bounced back in 2025. He looked far more comfortable both offensively and defensively than he did in his first year.
MLB.com’s Jake Rill tags Holliday as Baltimore’s top breakout candidate for the 2026 season.
“After an underwhelming 60-game debut in 2024, Holliday showed significant strides in ’25, when he ranked second on the O’s with 149 games played and slashed .242/.314/.375 with 21 doubles, three triples, 17 home runs, 55 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases. He also improved defensively at second base, a position he learned on the fly in Spring Training 2024.”
Not only did Holliday improve offensively from his woeful debut in 2024, but he also improved defensively. Rill believes he will just keep getting better, and this upcoming season could be the one where he puts it all together.
If that is the case this upcoming season, Bsltimoe will be one team that everyone will want to pay attention to. They have all the pieces to be a contender in 2026; they need to stay healthy.
More MLB news:
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- Athletics named best trade fit for former All-Star starting pitcher
- Yankees named best trade fit for former Padres starting pitcher
- Giants named best trade fit for former Gold Glove Award winner
