The Orioles had been starting rookie Connor Norby at second base, where Holliday is anticipated to start. Hours before the trade deadline on Tuesday, he was traded to the Miami Marlins for left-hander Trevor Rogers, along with outfielder Kyle Stowers.
Jorge Mateo, who was placed on the disabled list last week due to a dislocated elbow, had been replaced by Norby. Mateo split time with Ramon Urias and Jordan Westburg, who share time at third base.
After soaring through the minor league ranks, Holliday—the first overall pick in the 2022 draft—was called up on April 10 to become a member of the Orioles’ top core of young players. He was optioned back to AAA, where he had hit.271/.431/.477 with 10 home runs, 38 RBIs, and 75 walks in 73 games after going 2-for-34 with 18 strikeouts over a 10-game span.
After moving up from Low-A to AAA and hitting, he was named the undisputed minor league player of the year the previous season.12 home runs, 75 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases in a.442/.499 batting line.
Although he is a natural shortstop, the son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday was moved to second since All-Star and MVP contender Gunnar Henderson is firmly established at shortstop. The Orioles’ depth in the infield allowed them to swap Norby for Rogers, who is under team control through the 2026 season, with Westburg at third base and Ryan Mountcastle at first base. Not to mention star prospect Coby Mayo, a corner infielder, whose performance at AAA should soon earn a call-up.
After losing three starters to Tommy John surgery this season, Baltimore looked for extra pitching depth at the trade deadline. To bolster a staff that included Cy Young candidate Corbin Burnes, the team added experienced right-hander Zach Eflin and Rogers. In the AL East, the Orioles lead the New York Yankees by a half-game.
