Ethan Holliday: Elite 2025 MLB Draft Prospect
Ethan Holliday stands out as one of the most promising baseball prospects in the 2025 MLB Draft class. The 6’4″, 195-pound third baseman/shortstop from Stillwater High School in Oklahoma has the physical tools and baseball IQ that scouts dream about. As the son of former MLB All-Star Matt Holliday, he combines impressive bloodlines with a well-rounded skill set that has earned him the #2 ranking among 2025 MLB draft prospects.
What makes Holliday special is his exceptional versatility. He bats left and throws right, displaying excellent power at the plate and smooth defensive actions in the infield. His outstanding athletic build suggests there’s still more development to come, which is a scary thought for opposing pitchers and an exciting prospect for MLB teams eyeing the top of the 2025 draft board.
Contents
- 1 BREAKING NEWS! Ethan holliday commits to oklahoma state!
- 2 Background and Early Career
- 3 Positional Versatility
- 4 Scouting Report: Skills and Abilities
- 5 Academic and Athletic Choices
- 6 Comparisons and Projections
- 7 Key Moments and Highlights
- 8 Ethan’s Influences and Role Models
- 9 Navigating the Recruitment Process
- 10 Mental Approach to the Game
- 11 Future Development Areas
BREAKING NEWS! Ethan holliday commits to oklahoma state!
| Player | Position | School | Height/Weight | Bats/Throws | MLB Draft Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethan Holliday | SS/3B | Stillwater (OK) | 6’4″/195 lbs | Left/Right | #2 Overall (2025) |
Background and Early Career
Born February 23, 2007, Ethan has baseball in his DNA. His frame provides natural power potential that scouts are already excited about. What separates Holliday from many high school prospects is his advanced approach at the plate – displaying patience beyond his years.
He has consistently performed against elite competition on the showcase circuit, solidifying his position as a potential top-five selection in the 2025 MLB Draft.
| Profile Details | |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 |
| Height/Weight | 6’4″ / 195-200 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | Left/Right |
| School | Stillwater HS (OK) |
| Projected Draft Position | Top 5 |
Positional Versatility
Holliday’s defensive profile presents intriguing options for MLB organizations. While primarily developed as a shortstop, his size and arm strength make him a natural fit at third base as well. His left-handed bat combined with potential plus power creates tremendous offensive upside regardless of position.
Scouts note his smooth swing mechanics and ability to drive the ball to all fields. Recent mock drafts have him projected as high as fourth overall to the Colorado Rockies. His versatility means he could stick at shortstop initially in professional baseball before potentially sliding to third base as his frame fills out.
Scouting Report: Skills and Abilities
Defensive Prowess
Despite his large frame, Holliday demonstrates remarkable defensive versatility between shortstop and third base positions. He possesses easy athletic actions that allow him to cover substantial ground in the infield. His fluid movements and quick transfers stand out particularly at third base, where he projects as a primary defender.
Holliday’s arm grades out at 55 on the scouting scale, showing the necessary strength and accuracy for the left side of the infield. He makes accurate throws on the move and adjusts his arm slot effectively depending on the play. While some scouts believe his growing frame may eventually necessitate a permanent move to third base, others think he could stay at shortstop.
Offensive Performance
Holliday’s left-handed bat is his calling card. He generates elite hand and bat speed with seemingly minimal effort, producing what many consider the most usable left-handed power in the draft class. His power tool grades out at an impressive 65 on the scouting scale.
His hitting approach shows maturity beyond his years. Holliday maintains excellent balance throughout his swing with a short leg kick that doesn’t compromise his timing. He demonstrates particularly strong contact and pull skills on inside pitches, though he has shown some swing-and-miss tendencies that scouts will monitor. His offensive profile projects for both average (.280+) and power (25+ home run potential) at higher levels.
Athleticism and Baseball IQ
Despite his growing frame, Holliday maintains average to above-average running speed, graded at 50 on the scouting scale. He shows instinctive baserunning and takes extra bases when available—a testament to his game awareness.
Following in the footsteps of his brother Jackson (who went No. 1 overall in a previous draft), Ethan’s baseball pedigree translates to exceptional field awareness and anticipation. He consistently positions himself well defensively and recognizes pitch sequences at an advanced level for his age. His baseball IQ allows him to maximize his physical tools, playing above his raw athleticism in game situations.
| Category | Grade | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Hit | 50 | Balanced swing, developing pitch recognition |
| Power | 65 | Plus power to all fields, projects for 25+ HR |
| Run | 50 | Average speed, good baserunning instincts |
| Arm | 55 | Strong, accurate throws across infield |
| Field | 50 | Athletic actions, handles both SS/3B |
| Overall | 60 | Top-15 talent for 2025 MLB Draft |
| Bats/Throws | L/R | Left-handed power hitter |
Academic and Athletic Choices
College Commitment
Holliday has committed to Vanderbilt University, a powerhouse program known for developing elite baseball talent. The Commodores offer an impressive track record of sending players to the MLB, making them an ideal landing spot for the Stillwater High standout.
Vanderbilt’s combination of academic excellence and baseball development presents Holliday with a chance to refine his skills while earning a valuable degree. This path would allow him to mature physically and mentally while competing against top-tier college competition in the SEC, potentially enhancing his draft stock for an even higher selection after his junior year.
Professional Outlook and Decision
As a projected early first-round pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, Holliday must weigh immediate professional opportunities against his college commitment. The financial implications are substantial, as a top-five selection would likely command a signing bonus exceeding $6 million.
Holliday’s decision will ultimately hinge on draft position, bonus offers, and his personal development preferences. His bloodlines give him unique insight into professional baseball’s demands, allowing him to make an informed decision about his future path.
Comparisons and Projections
Major League Comparables
When scouts discuss Holliday, several established MLB names come up. His left-handed power potential and infield versatility draw comparisons to current stars with similar profiles. Some evaluators see shades of a young Corey Seager in Holliday’s swing and approach. Others point to his bloodlines suggesting he has the baseball IQ and natural instincts that could put him on a similar trajectory to Mike Trout in terms of all-around impact.
Unlike early career Mickey Moniak, Holliday seems more polished at the plate at a similar age. His current high school stats are eye-popping: hitting above .620 with 8 home runs this season.
Projected Draft Position
Holliday consistently ranks among the elite prospects for the 2025 draft. MLB Pipeline has featured him as one of the top high school seniors expected to go high in the 2025 Draft. Most mock drafts place him in the top 5 selections, with CBS Sports ranking him at #3 in their prospect rankings.
While he began the year as a potential No. 1 pick candidate, some questions about his ultimate defensive position have caused slight slippage in some projections. The consensus remains strong, however, that Holliday will be among the first names called on draft day. His leadership in helping Stillwater to a 13-3 record demonstrates the intangibles that complement his physical tools.
Key Moments and Highlights
High School Career Highlights
At Stillwater High School, Holliday has consistently demonstrated why he’s considered a top baseball draft prospect. During his sophomore season, he batted an impressive .395 with 8 home runs and 37 RBIs. His junior campaign saw even more growth, as he improved to a .412 average with 11 home runs.
What separates Holliday from his peers is his defensive versatility. Though primarily a shortstop, his arm strength and fielding instincts have allowed him to excel at third base as well, making him a valuable defensive asset.
Showcase Performances
Holliday has particularly shined on the national stage during showcase events. At Perfect Game events, he’s consistently displayed his outstanding athletic build and physical tools that evaluators covet. His performance at the Five Tool showcases went viral when he launched multiple 400+ foot home runs, with TikTok videos highlighting why many consider him possibly “the #1 player in the nation.”
In summer competitions, Holliday’s highlight videos show his smooth left-handed swing generating easy power. His performance against elite pitching has only strengthened his draft stock. Scouts particularly note his advanced approach at the plate, showing patience beyond his years while still maintaining aggressive swing decisions when he gets his pitch.
Ethan’s Influences and Role Models
Growing up in a baseball family, Ethan Holliday has been shaped by some impressive influences. He doesn’t shy away from his father’s legacy, but he’s clearly paving his own way in the baseball world. His uncle Josh Holliday, head coach at Oklahoma State, has also been a significant mentor in his development.
Coaches praise his mature approach to the game, another sign of his strong mentorship and role models who’ve helped him navigate the pressures of being a top prospect. While NIL opportunities will surely come his way when he reaches college, Ethan remains focused on development first, understanding the long game toward MLB success.
Engagement with Scouts
Holliday has been methodical in his approach with MLB scouts. His visibility at key tournaments and showcases has been deliberate and well-executed. Multiple evaluators have noted his maturity during interviews and workouts, which is explained by his baseball lineage and early exposure to professional environments.
He has maintained an active presence at regional and national showcases, giving scouts multiple opportunities to evaluate his development. His performance at the Perfect Game events particularly impressed evaluators from organizations picking in the projected top 10.
Commitment Strategy
Holliday has skillfully navigated the delicate balance between college commitment and professional aspirations. While keeping professional options open, he’s secured a strong collegiate backup plan with Vanderbilt. His approach to the 2025 MLB Draft demonstrates awareness of his market value, with sources indicating his team has established clear parameters for signing bonus expectations.
His NIL potential in college would be substantial, estimated at mid-six figures annually based on comparable elite baseball recruits. This strengthens his negotiating position with MLB teams. Additionally, his academic achievements complement his athletic prowess, making him equally attractive to top baseball programs seeking players who can excel in both classroom and competitive environments.
Mental Approach to the Game
One aspect that sets Holliday apart from other elite prospects is his mental maturity. Coaches and scouts frequently comment on his composed demeanor, even in high-pressure situations. This composure allows him to make adjustments mid-game and maintain consistency throughout tournaments.
His approach to training is equally impressive. Rather than focusing solely on his strengths, Holliday actively works to improve areas of weakness. This growth mindset, combined with his natural tools, creates a prospect with virtually unlimited potential.
Future Development Areas
While Holliday is already an elite prospect, there are still areas where he can develop. Continued refinement of his pitch recognition will help reduce swing-and-miss tendencies against breaking balls. As his frame fills out, maintaining his lateral quickness will be crucial in determining his long-term defensive position.
His swing mechanics, while already impressive, could benefit from small adjustments to maximize opposite-field power. These minor refinements could be the difference between becoming an everyday MLB player and developing into a perennial All-Star.
