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Rockies Sign Ethan Holliday to Record $9 Million High School Bonus

He joins a slate of high-bonus prospects under the Rockies’ strategy of reallocating draft savings toward elite young talent

Jul 13, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ethan Holliday is drafted by the Colorado Rockies with the fourth pick during the first round of the MLB Draft at The Coca-Cola Roxy. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Ethan Holliday looks on from in the Colorado Rockies dugout during his father’s press conference, former Colorado Rockies player Matt Holliday, before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Coors Field in Denver Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (Andy Cross/The Denver Post/TNS)

Overview

  • The Rockies finalized a $9 million contract with shortstop Ethan Holliday, establishing the largest bonus ever awarded to a high school draftee
  • His deal surpasses the $8.2 million paid to Eli Willits and the $8.19 million his brother Jackson received, and it ties for the fourth-highest bonus in draft history
  • Selected fourth overall in July’s draft, Holliday entered as MLB Pipeline’s top high school prospect and ESPN’s second overall player
  • Baseball America’s 2025 High School Player of the Year, he hit .611 with 19 home runs and 64 RBIs in 33 games at Stillwater High School (Okla.)
  • He is set to debut this week in the Arizona Complex League as Colorado continues to build a youth-driven core around high-upside talent