The Baltimore Orioles will be without one of their brightest young stars to start the 2026 season. Second baseman Jackson Holliday is headed to the injured list after suffering a broken hamate bone in his right hand, the team announced Wednesday. He’s scheduled to undergo surgery on Thursday.
Team president of baseball operations Mike Elias revealed the injury occurred on February 6-just a day after the Orioles acquired infielder Blaze Alexander in a trade. The timing is tough, especially considering Holliday was penciled in as Baltimore’s Opening Day leadoff hitter.
Holliday, 22, is coming off a season that showed flashes of his sky-high potential. He slashed .242/.314/.375 with 17 home runs and 17 stolen bases-a solid foundation for a player still adjusting to big-league pitching. His combination of speed, pop, and defensive versatility made him a key piece in the Orioles' plans for 2026 and beyond.
With Holliday sidelined, the Orioles will need to pivot quickly. Blaze Alexander, freshly acquired and with experience across the infield, is now in the mix to fill the second base void. Jeremiah Jackson is another name to watch as the club evaluates its internal options heading into spring.
Holliday’s absence is a blow, no question-but the Orioles have built up enough depth to weather the early-season storm. And given his work ethic and track record, there’s reason to believe Holliday will be back and making an impact sooner rather than later.
Drafted No. 1 overall in 2022, Holliday has been on a fast track ever since. This setback might slow him down, but it’s not likely to stop him.