Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday made some lifestyle changes after his disappointing rookie season, including one very unorthodox dietary move.
Holliday admitted that he wore down toward the end of his rookie season in 2024, and weighed about 188 pounds at the end of the campaign.
As a result, he sought to improve his strength and endurance ahead of the new season. That involved eating a lot of beef during the offseason, including for breakfast.
“A lot of ground beef and rice. I pretty much had ground beef for breakfast every day,” Holliday said, via Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner. “I’m not a very good chef. I can make steak and ground beef, and that’s about it.”
Jackson Holliday in Orioles gear
Jul 27, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles number one draft pick Jackson Holliday walks across the field after batting practice before the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Holliday was the number one over draft pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Regardless of the unusual method, Holliday’s plan seems to have delivered the desired results. He arrived at spring training weighing 200 pounds.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft and the son of longtime MLB star Matt Holliday, Jackson debuted with much fanfare in 2024.
The results did not match the expectations, however, as Holliday hit just .189 with little power in 60 games for Baltimore.
The season was a learning experience for the 21-year-old, as he was also making tweaks to his swing right up until the playoffs.
Holliday dominated virtually every level of the minors, and the Orioles certainly have not lost faith in him. He is viewed as the favorite to be the team’s starter at second base on Opening Day.
The Orioles won 91 games last season, but lost key players in Anthony Santander and Corbin Burnes during the offseason.
An improved showing from Holliday would go a long way toward helping the team remain in contention going forward.
