Like Jackson Holliday, Orioles prospects Grayson Rodriguez and Colton Cowser were demoted. They're better for it

BALTIMORE -- When Orioles general manager Mike Elias explained his decision to start Jackson Holliday in the minor leagues, he cited the organization’s “track record” of managing the jump from Triple-A to the majors for its top prospects.

He referenced the success Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, also consensus No. 1 prospects like Holliday, have experienced since their big league call-ups in 2022.

“I believe our capabilities are sound in this area,” Elias said.

The path for Holliday, who was optioned to Triple-A on Friday after a rocky start to his big league career, will be different than Henderson and Rutschman. But that doesn’t mean the Orioles’ “track record” still can’t apply to Holliday.

After the three No. 1 prospects, the next-best minor leaguers to be promoted during the Elias era were Grayson Rodriguez and Colton Cowser, who both hit speed bumps during their first stints in the show last year and were demoted to Triple-A.

Rodriguez and Cowser are better for it, and they believe Holliday will be, too.

“We have a very tight-knit clubhouse. We’re not just teammates; we’re brothers,” Rodriguez said. “Everybody being with me through that process was pretty special, and the same thing is going to be there for him.”

During Holliday’s two weeks in the majors, Cowser, 24, was impressed by the youngster’s poise and maturity. More than Holliday’s talent and tools, the way he carried himself amid his slumping start was proof to Cowser that his teammate “will be fine.”

“I’m not worried about Jackson,” Cowser said. “Guy is 20 years old. When I was 20 — actually, I just watched my swing when I was 20 in college, and it’s not anything compared to what he’s at right now. And that’s not talking about the composure and maturity that he has.”

Elias and manager Brandon Hyde also expressed their confidence in Holliday on Friday, stating their belief in him becoming an impact major leaguer is perhaps even greater now than it was before the club promoted him. The history of Orioles prospects overcoming an early setback only to realize their potential when they rejoined the team is a reason why.

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