Orioles' Holliday to miss start of season with broken hand

Top prospect will be sidelined for several weeks after injury during spring training

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Baltimore Orioles top prospect Jackson Holliday suffered a broken bone in his hand during live batting practice earlier this month and will miss the start of the 2026 season, including Opening Day. Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias confirmed the injury, stating that Holliday's return is expected to be measured in weeks after he misses all of spring training.

Why it matters

Holliday, the first overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, had a solid rookie season in 2025 and was looking to take the next step in his progression this year. His injury is a setback for the rebuilding Orioles, who were counting on Holliday to be a key part of their future.

The details

Holliday suffered the broken hamate bone in his right hand during live batting practice on February 6th. Elias said the injury is not considered long-term, but Holliday will miss all of spring training and the start of the regular season. The Orioles recently traded for infielder Blaze Alexander from the Arizona Diamondbacks, likely to help fill the void left by Holliday's absence.

  • On February 6th, Holliday suffered the broken bone in his hand during live batting practice.
  • Holliday will miss all of spring training and Opening Day for the Orioles.

The players

Jackson Holliday

The top prospect in the Orioles' system, Holliday was the first overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. He had a solid rookie season in 2025 and was looking to build on that performance before suffering the hand injury.

Mike Elias

The president of baseball operations for the Baltimore Orioles, Elias confirmed Holliday's injury and provided details on the timeline for his return.

Blaze Alexander

An infielder acquired by the Orioles in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Alexander will likely help fill the void left by Holliday's absence to start the season.

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What they’re saying

“Jackson Holliday, on a couple of days ago, February 6th, he was doing live batting practice here in Sarasota and felt something in his right hand. It's a broken hamate bone. That's nothing concerning long-term, but he's going to miss some time. (He) won't be ready for Opening Day and hopefully his return is measured in weeks after that.”

— Mike Elias, President of Baseball Operations, Baltimore Orioles (wbal.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Holliday's injury is a setback for the rebuilding Orioles, who were counting on the top prospect to be a key part of their future. The team's recent trade for infielder Blaze Alexander suggests they are prepared to fill the void left by Holliday's absence to start the season.