The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) amateur draft is just around the corner, and fans and scouts alike are buzzing with anticipation. On July 13, the Washington Nationals will make their third No. 1 pick in franchise history. Among the top contenders for this prestigious spot is Ethan Holliday, a name that already carries significant weight in the baseball world. This article delves into what makes Ethan a potential No. 1 pick and how his family background, particularly his father Matt and brother Jackson, plays a crucial role in his standing.
The Holliday Legacy
A Family of Baseball Stars
Ethan Holliday is not just any high school infielder; he is the youngest member of Oklahoma’s baseball royalty. His father, Matt Holliday, is a former MLB outfielder who made seven All-Star Games and achieved over 40 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) in his illustrious career. His older brother, Jackson Holliday, was the No. 1 pick in the 2022 draft and has already shown promise with above-average hitting in his age-21 season. The Holliday name is synonymous with excellence in baseball, and Ethan has the unique challenge and opportunity of following in their footsteps.
The Pressure of High Expectations
While having famous relatives brings Ethan significant attention, it also comes with a downside. The expectations placed on him are sky-high, often higher than those placed on his peers. This has sometimes led to a more critical evaluation of his skills and potential. However, Ethan has managed to carve out his own path, distinguishing himself as a unique player with his own set of strengths and challenges.
Ethan’s Unique Skill Set
Different from Jackson
One common misconception about siblings in sports is that they often share similar playing styles. However, Ethan and Jackson Holliday are quite different. Jackson’s game was built on his bat-to-ball skills and his ability to play up the middle defensively, with power being the last aspect to develop. In contrast, Ethan’s foundation lies in his good approach and well-above-average raw power. Scouts believe that his power and hitting approach could make him a strong middle-of-the-order hitter, though he may need to work on his contact skills.
Projected Position and Strengths
Ethan is likely to end up at third base, a position where his power and hitting approach could thrive. Scouts have noted his left-handed swing and significant strength, which could make him a formidable presence in the batter’s box. While there are concerns about his contact skills, his decision to add a toe tap to his swing this spring has been seen as a positive step towards improving his overall game.
The Role of Matt Holliday
A High-Grade Hitting Instructor
Having a father who is a former MLB star and a reputed hitting instructor is a significant advantage for Ethan. Matt Holliday is known for his exceptional hitting skills and has been actively involved in coaching his sons. Scouts believe that Matt’s insights and guidance could be a game-changer for Ethan’s development. For instance, Matt’s advice to Jackson to change his swing mechanics led to a noticeable improvement in his OPS from .633 to .724. This suggests that Matt’s coaching could help Ethan reach his full potential.
The X-Factor
While having a famous father can sometimes be overshadowed by other factors, Matt Holliday’s reputation as a hitting instructor sets him apart. Scouts are more confident in Ethan’s chances of success because of the additional support and expertise Matt provides. This unique family resource could be the X-factor that helps Ethan overcome the challenges he faces and become a top-tier player.
The Historical Significance
A First in MLB Draft History
If Ethan Holliday is selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 MLB draft, he and his brother Jackson will make history as the first set of siblings to each be chosen No. 1 overall in the MLB Draft. This would be a remarkable achievement and a testament to the family’s baseball legacy. While it remains uncertain who the Nationals will pick first, Ethan’s name is certainly among the top contenders.
Other Notable Sibling Duos
In the past 30 years, several sibling pairs have been drafted within the first half of the first round. These include:
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Justin (No. 1 overall, 2005) and B.J. (No. 2, 2002) Upton
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J.D. (No. 2, 1997) and Stephen (No. 15, 2004) Drew
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Dmitri (No. 4, 1991) and Delmon (No. 1, 2003) Young
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Rickie (No. 2, 2003) and Jemile (No. 12, 2008) Weeks
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Josh (No. 8, 2019) and Jace (No. 12, 2022) Jung
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Jeff (No. 14, 1998) and Jered (No. 12, 2004) Weaver
Where the Holliday brothers will rank among these notable sibling pairs remains to be seen, but their combined achievements are already setting a high bar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is Ethan Holliday?
Ethan Holliday is a high school infielder and the youngest son of former MLB star Matt Holliday. He is considered a top prospect for the 2025 MLB draft and has the potential to be selected as the No. 1 pick.
Q: What makes Ethan different from his brother Jackson?
Ethan’s game is built on his good approach and well-above-average raw power, while Jackson’s game was more focused on bat-to-ball skills and defensive abilities. Ethan is likely to end up at third base, whereas Jackson is more of a middle-of-the-field player.
Q: How has Matt Holliday influenced Ethan’s career?
Matt Holliday, a former MLB star and reputed hitting instructor, has been actively involved in coaching Ethan. His insights and guidance are seen as a significant advantage for Ethan’s development and could help him reach his full potential.
Q: What is the historical significance of Ethan being drafted No. 1?
If Ethan is selected as the No. 1 pick, he and his brother Jackson will become the first set of siblings to each be chosen No. 1 overall in the MLB Draft. This would be a remarkable achievement and a testament to the family’s baseball legacy.
Q: Who are some other notable sibling pairs in MLB draft history?
Other notable sibling pairs include the Uptons, Drews, Youngs, Weeks, Jungs, and Weavers, all of whom were drafted within the first half of the first round in the past 30 years.
Conclusion
The 2025 MLB draft is shaping up to be an exciting event, with Ethan Holliday emerging as a top contender for the No. 1 pick. His unique skill set, combined with the support and guidance from his father Matt and brother Jackson, positions him well for a successful career in professional baseball. Whether he makes history as the first sibling duo to both be No. 1 picks remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Holliday name will continue to be a significant presence in the world of baseball.