The MLB Draft will begin on July 17, 2022. We take a look at Jackson Holliday who is the son of former seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday. Jackson is making a name for himself as he has moved up draft boards. With a great pedigree, Jackson will have a big decision to make in July. Does he play for his dad, Matt, and uncle, Josh Holliday, at Oklahoma State University or does he start his journey to the majors out of High School?
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Jackson Holliday, Shortstop, Stillwater HS (OK)
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 180 lbs.
DOB: 12/04/2003
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Scouting Grades
Hit: 60
Power: 55
Run: 60
Arm: 55
Field: 55
Projected to be a top 10 pick in this year’s draft, Holliday has been raking at the High School level. MLB.com has him as their fourth-ranked prospect. A left-handed hitter, the 18-year-old shortstop is still getting bigger and faster. He has the pedigree, baseball IQ, and the work ethic to make any coach happy to have him on their team.
Strengths
Holliday barrels the ball consistently when he doesn’t let his swing get too long. As he gets stronger, the power will come naturally, and as long as Holliday realizes that he could get to his plus power in games. The potential top-5 pick has a smooth stroke when he is on. He loads well and his hands drive straight to the ball with some natural loft. He doesn’t have a leg kick, instead turning his front leg allowing him to close his hips before he explodes through the zone.
Defensively, Holliday is above average right now. He was named the Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in his Junior Year. He has good footwork and makes accurate throws from anywhere. Holliday could grade 60 in both arm and fielding as he continues to grow and refine his tools at the position. He is an intelligent runner and combines that with plus wheels which will help his range and keep him at shortstop long-term.
Weaknesses
There is not much to dislike about the kid. The only knock would be that Holliday’s swing can get a little out of whack when he tries to hit home runs. He can get pull happy and speed up his bat path, leaving himself vulnerable to good off-speed stuff especially off the plate outside.
Pro Comparison: Trevor Story
While Story is struggling in his first year out of Coors Field, he has the talent to turn it around. The similarities are there as Holliday can hit for power and steal a few bags while playing a solid defensive shortstop. They will be similar in size as well once the 18-year-old fills in and adds some good muscle.
Draft Prediction: Round 1, Pick 7, Chicago Cubs
Even with 18-year-old Cristian Hernandez from the 2020 International Class looking promising, the Cubs would take Holliday if he fell to them here. They would likely have to spend over slot value to keep him away from his commitment to Oklahoma State. However, Holliday can stick at shortstop in the future. That is something that other top infield prospects in their system like James Triantos and Reginald Preciado do not offer.
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Main Image Credit: https://www.perfectgame.org/articles/View.aspx?article=18948
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