Ethan Holliday Sets Record $9M Bonus with Rockies Signing

In a historic move, the Colorado Rockies just signed high school phenom Ethan Holliday. As the fourth overall pick in this year’s MLB draft, he landed a stunning $9 million signing bonus.

This contract isn’t just a nod to Holliday’s massive potential. It shakes up how people see high school players stepping into professional baseball.

Ethan is the son of former Rockies star Matt Holliday. He’s also the younger brother of Jackson Holliday, who went first overall in the 2022 draft.

With that kind of pedigree, not to mention his own performance and ambition, Ethan’s already one of the most talked-about rookies in recent MLB memory.

Record-Breaking Signing Bonus: Changing the Game for High School Talent

Ethan Holliday’s $9 million signing bonus just smashed the previous record for a high school player. It even tops the $8.19 million his brother Jackson got in 2022.

Then there’s Eli Willits, another Oklahoma shortstop, who received $8.2 million in the 2025 draft. Oklahoma shortstops now claim the top three bonuses for high school players, which is honestly wild.

Comparing Ethan’s $9 Million Deal to Historical Bonuses

Even though Ethan’s $9 million is jaw-dropping, it only ties for fourth among all-time MLB draft signing bonuses. That’s across every age group and experience level.

The Rockies clearly believe in their young prospect. MLB teams seem more willing than ever to bet big on young, unproven talent.

The Holliday Legacy: Baseball Brilliance Runs in the Family

Ethan Holliday’s family tree is just loaded with baseball talent. His dad, Matt Holliday, was a Rockies standout and set the bar high.

Jackson Holliday, Ethan’s older brother, went first overall in 2022 and now plays for the Orioles. It’s pretty clear this family just lives and breathes baseball.

Ethan enters the league under a huge spotlight, and people are eager to see if he’ll follow in their footsteps.

Oklahoma: A Hotbed for MLB Shortstop Talent

Oklahoma’s become a real powerhouse for producing MLB-caliber shortstops. Ethan Holliday joins Eli Willits and Jackson Holliday as Oklahoma natives who’ve snagged the biggest bonuses for high schoolers in recent drafts.

This streak says a lot about the state’s commitment to developing talent. Clearly, Oklahoma’s got something special going on when it comes to baseball scouting and development.

• Ethan Holliday: $9 million bonus — Colorado Rockies, 2023 draft
• Jackson Holliday: $8.19 million bonus — Baltimore Orioles, 2022 draft
• Eli Willits: $8.2 million bonus — Washington Nationals, 2025 draft

It does make you wonder—what’s in the water in Oklahoma? The training and coaching scene there must be top-notch.

MLB Team Strategies: Leveraging the Fixed Bonus Pool System

Stories like Ethan Holliday’s really highlight how important MLB’s fixed bonus pool system has become. Teams get a set amount to spend on their draft picks, so they have to prioritize carefully.

Some teams, like the Nationals, go for slightly lower-ranked talent with their top picks to save money for later-round surprises. Others, like the Rockies, seem happy to go all-in on one generational prospect.

Balancing Risk and Reward in Draft Investments

For the Rockies, putting $9 million on a high school player is a huge gamble. Teams usually reserve these massive bonuses for players with sky-high upside.

Holliday ranked second overall by ESPN, so the hype is real. But the real challenge? Making the leap from high school stardom to big-league success against seasoned pros.

What’s Next for Ethan Holliday?

With his record-setting deal inked, Ethan Holliday now faces the pressure of proving he’s worth every penny of the Rockies’ investment.

As he moves into the minor leagues, everyone’s going to keep a close eye on his development. Fans and scouts are already buzzing, wondering if Holliday can live up to the hype and carve out his own path—even with his family’s baseball legacy looming large.

For the Rockies, signing him is a gamble, sure, but it’s a bold one—a bet on a generational talent. If Holliday reaches his potential, that $9 million bonus might end up looking like a bargain, not just a big expense.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Holliday rate: Rox set bonus record on star’s son