Few families in baseball have captured the spotlight quite like the Hollidays. Jackson Holliday, now 21 years old, was the first overall pick in the 2022 draft and is thriving with the Baltimore Orioles. His younger brother, Ethan Holliday, is also turning heads. In 33 games, he had a batting average of .611 and an OPS of 2.038. The expectations are high, and so is the pressure. Now, the question is front and center: Can the Hollidays become the first brothers ever to both go first overall in the MLB Draft?
Given Holliday’s historic ties with baseball, it’s not wrong to say that baseball runs in their DNA. Matt Holliday, their father, is a baseball legend: a seven-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger, and a World Series champion across 15 MLB seasons. Following in his footsteps, Jackson has already blazed a trail in the Orioles. But even he acknowledges the pressure mounting on Ethan.
In a candid conversation with MLB, Jackson offered a reflection on that comparison. “I kind of just had my dad’s stuff to live up to, and I can’t imagine the stuff that [Ethan] may be dealing with,” Jackson shared. “As far as getting picked first and what that could mean for baseball history and stuff like that. It’s probably a lot for him.”
Despite the weight of expectation, Jackson notes that Ethan is handling it with remarkable composure. “It’s an unbelievable situation to be in, and I think he’s handling it great.” Whenever he checks in on his younger brother, he shared that Ethan often spends his time golfing or with his friends, which, in Jackson’s view, seems like the young star prospect is in a really good headspace, and that’s exactly what he needs ahead of the MLB Draft. “I’m just excited for him,” Jackson summed up his feelings.
Credits: Ethan Holliday’s Instagram
At 6’4”, Ethan Holliday cuts an imposing figure on the diamond. He’s a blend of raw power, plate discipline, and natural athleticism. MLB Pipeline rates his bat a 50, his power at 65, and his arm at 55, projecting him as a future slugger capable of launching 30 or more home runs a season. But that isn’t all! His accolades include Baseball America’s 2025 High School Player of the Year and Gatorade Oklahoma Player of the Year.
Well, those numbers are good, and Jackson, watching from afar, believes his brother is ready for the moment. “I think he’s done everything he can to put himself in that position. I’m just excited for Sunday.” But what are the chances that Ethan Holliday will be selected as the first overall pick?
Having a legend like Matt Holliday as their mentor and hitting coach, both Jackson and Ethan have developed the ability to spray the ball to all fields and shared a mindset at the plate that reflected their father’s teachings. And if Ethan is anything like his brother, the Hollidays will indeed write their name in the pages of history. Well, with many clubs eyeing Ethan Holiday, he does have a good chance of being a No. 1 pick.
Three teams, one target: The race to pick Ethan Holliday
It looks like the Washington Nationals, holding the coveted first pick, are highly speculated to be leaning toward Ethan Holliday. Kiley McDaniel of ESPN thinks there’s around a 35% likelihood that the Nationals will take Ethan first overall in the draft. But the Nationals aren’t alone.
CREDITS: USA TODAY HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
The Colorado Rockies, with the fourth pick, are quite excited about the chance to sign Holliday. For a long time, it has been an “open secret” that the Rockies think he would make a terrific successor to Matt’s legacy. And why not? Ethan’s legendary father’s career started with the Rockies. Holliday is the kind of star player the Rockies are hoping to build their squad around.
Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals, holding fifth, are next in line for Ethan. They have made it clear that he is near the top of their wish list, eager to add another chapter to the family’s legacy in St. Louis. FanSided confirmed that the Cardinals have him right behind their #1 choice, which implies he is the perfect backup.
As draft day approaches, the tension builds. Ethan’s name is on every shortlist because of his great bat and pedigree. Where he lands will depend on the strategies and priorities of front offices across the league. Washington’s draft plan, Colorado’s love of legacy, and St. Louis’s backup plan all demonstrate how much Holliday is wanted.
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