By Anjali Nayak
On April 12, 2024, the Orioles (8-4) hosted the Brewers (8-3) at Camden yards; thus, setting the stage for baseball’s No. 1 prospect, Jackson Holliday, to make his home debut against baseball’s No. 2 prospect, Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio.
In addition to being baseball’s two best prospects, the 20-year-olds are also baseball’s two youngest players. Padres outfielder Jackson Merril—yup, another Jackson—is the third youngest. This year, Jackson was indisputably the most popular name in the top 100 prospects. The Jackson Era is officially upon us.
Now, unlike its American history counterpart—this one won’t end in a Trail of Tears. A gifted athlete, Holliday is loose and fluid at shortstop on a team with massive potential to finally have their breakout season. As bad as the Orioles have always been, they are finally in the position to nab a playoff spot and end their—what seems like endless—slump. Even more, Holliday is actually fun to watch, and baseball needs more players that make the game fun. In 2023, he was successful on 24 of 33 stolen bases, and overall showed good instincts on the basepaths. He had a 45.5% hard-hit rate during his time in the minors and brags a 90th percentile exit velocity when compared to players in the majors.
After signing an eight-year, 82 millions dollar contract in the offseason, Jackson Chourio looks like the future face of Milwaukee’s franchise, which begs the question of where exactly Christian Yelich went, but that’s simply besides the point. The youngest player on any opening day roster, Chourio is known for his explosiveness in bat speed and the raw power to hammer the ball deep to right-center field. Most compare him to Ronald Acuna Jr due to his quick-hands and overall enthusiasm.