Patience is a virtue when it comes to playing at the highest level of baseball. Some organizations will use that virtue to succeed with drafted players.
For better or for worse, others may sacrifice the development of a particular player for an immediate need. One thing is for certain: a player has to have patience in himself. The lower levels of the minor leagues are a rocky road, and there is a certain amount of professionalism that is required to navigate them.
Jeremiah Jackson of the Baltimore Orioles hit .637 as a high school senior in Mobile, Alabama, in 2018. That number, along with double digits in home runs and RBI, was impressive enough that the Los Angeles Angels selected him in the second round of the Major League Baseball draft that season (57th overall).
He learned to adjust to pro ball in his rookie season, but 2019 is where he regained his power stroke. The middle infielder connected for 23 bro bombs and drove home 60 runs for the Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League.
COVID Set Jeremiah Jackson’s MLB Path Back
COVID affected many minor leaguers, and Jackson was no exception, as his 2020 season was cancelled and he lost a year of development. Jackson found his way into 51 games in 2021 primarily as a shortstop. He did what the Angels were hoping he would do, and that was hit for average (.277). Teams generally send their best prospects to the Arizona Fall League at the end of the season, and Los Angeles did exactly that with Jackson.
Over the next two seasons, he hit 29 home runs for the Angels’ Double A affiliate (Rocket City) in his home state of Alabama, but on August 1, 2023, he was traded to the New York Mets organization for now-retired Dominic Leone, who had a 5.74 E.R.A after that trade.
Jackson has never had a problem going long, as his 26 home runs for Binghamton (Mets Double A affiliate) would show, but the batting average might have been a bit low for the parent club, and he found himself a free agent at the end of the season.
Jermiah Jackson Gets Fresh Start With Orioles
Sometimes a fresh start is good for the soul and the career, and Jackson began the 2025 season with the Orioles ‘ Double-A affiliate. He sailed through the system and made his debut on August 1, exactly two years after being traded.
Versatility has helped keep him on the roster as he saw action at second base, third base, and right field while finishing the season with a .277 batting average.
“He’s a baller, he brings his A game every day. Whether it’s on the base paths, batter’s box, or defensive side of the ball, its great energy,” teammate Pete Alonso said.
Through the Orioles’ first 79 games this season, Jackson has connected for seven home runs. He’s cutting down on his strikeouts, and the average is starting to climb.
Jackson recently started a game in Left field for the first time in his big league career, so the Orioles are looking for ways to keep him in the lineup as he looks to build off of last season.
