Sam Hilliard – Colorado Rockies Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Sam Hilliard has become a pretty familiar face in Major League Baseball. People know him for his power at the plate and his defensive chops in the outfield.

He started out with the Colorado Rockies and, in recent years, has bounced around between a few teams. That’s just baseball, isn’t it? Still, he keeps showing off his versatility and determination. Right now, Sam Hilliard’s contract sits at $800,000 for the 2024 season, and his estimated net worth is about $1.86 million.

Hilliard’s journey through pro ball has seen him take on several salary changes. He made $750,000 with Atlanta in 2023 before landing his current deal.

The outfielder recently returned to the Colorado Rockies after being claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. That’s a full-circle moment, since Colorado gave him his first MLB shot back in 2019.

During his time in the majors, Hilliard has flashed his potential, especially during his first stint with Colorado. In 58 games, he hit .239/.305/.507, which isn’t too shabby. His mix of power and speed keeps him interesting to watch as he tries to carve out a steady role in the big leagues.

Early Life and Education

Sam Hilliard’s path to pro baseball started way before he ever set foot on a major league field. His early years and education helped shape the athlete and person he is now.

Childhood and Family Background

Samuel Beauman Hilliard was born on February 21, 1994. He grew up with a real love for baseball, and his family backed him every step of the way.

His dad, Jim Hilliard, played football at the University of Texas and taught Sam about dedication and sportsmanship. That family influence can’t be overstated.

Growing up in Texas gave Sam tons of chances to work on his baseball skills. He spent hours practicing at local fields, and the athletic ability was there from the start.

His family’s support let him chase his baseball dreams confidently. They gave him both emotional backing and practical advice as he started showing real promise.

Academic Pursuits

Hilliard went to Mansfield High School in Texas, where he managed to juggle schoolwork and baseball. He stood out for his athletic skills and kept his grades up.

During his high school years, Sam played all over the field, showing off his versatility. Those years were crucial for building his fundamentals and baseball smarts.

Coaches noticed his talent early on and gave him the chance to grow through tough competition. His high school performance caught the attention of college scouts, opening doors for his future.

Balancing academics and sports taught him discipline, which would come in handy later.

Pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree

After high school, Hilliard headed to Crowder College, a junior college where he sharpened his baseball skills and continued his education. His play at Crowder put him on the radar for bigger programs, so he transferred to Wichita State University.

At Wichita State, Sam kept playing baseball while working toward his degree. This period really helped him grow, both technically and mentally.

College baseball gave him structure and a shot at facing top competition. His time there made him believe a pro career was within reach.

Scouts started to notice his size, speed, and power—a pretty rare combo. That attention eventually led him to the Colorado Rockies organization.

Professional Baseball Career

Sam Hilliard’s pro career tells the story of a guy who worked his way up from the minors to the majors. He’s had his share of ups and downs, moving between teams and different levels.

MLB Debut and Impact

Hilliard made his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies on August 27, 2019. The 6’5″, 236-pound outfielder wasted no time, launching a home run in his first game against the Boston Red Sox.

He made an impression right away in his rookie season, showing off his power and defense. Hilliard wrapped up that first year with 7 home runs in just 27 games, which got people talking.

His left-handed bat and ability to play any outfield spot made him valuable for the Rockies. Still, like a lot of young players, he struggled with consistency—especially making contact and avoiding strikeouts.

Team Affiliations and Transfers

Born on February 21, 1994, Hilliard started his pro journey when the Rockies picked him in the 15th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. He climbed through the Rockies’ minor league system step by step.

After a few seasons, Hilliard bounced between the Rockies’ big league club and their Triple-A affiliate, the Albuquerque Isotopes. In 2023, the Rockies designated him for assignment, which led to a bit of career uncertainty.

In 2024, the Rockies selected his contract from Albuquerque on June 21, bringing him back to the team that drafted him. That move showed they still believed in what he could do.

Notable Achievements

Over his career, Hilliard has shown glimpses of that rare five-tool potential. His power and speed combo isn’t something you see every day.

One of his standout moments came in September 2019, when he took elite closer Kenley Jansen of the Dodgers deep. That’s the kind of thing that sticks with fans.

Financially, Hilliard signed a one-year, $1,000,000 contract with the Rockies, reflecting the team’s faith in his talent. His net worth sits around $1,861,362.

He’s had to fight through challenges with consistency at the plate, but his athleticism and drive keep him in the mix.

Contract History and Free Agency

Sam Hilliard’s time in MLB has mostly involved modest contracts, which makes sense for a developing outfielder. His career includes rookie deals with the Rockies, recent contracts, and his current situation as far as free agency goes.

Rookie Contracts

Hilliard started his pro career when the Rockies picked him in the 15th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. Like most mid-round picks, he signed minor league contracts with modest bonuses.

The Rockies brought Hilliard up on June 21, 2019, adding him to the big league roster. That was his first major league contract, and he earned the pro-rated league minimum.

During his rookie season, Hilliard made an immediate impact, slashing .239/.305/.507 in 58 games. His pre-arbitration years followed the standard MLB pay structure, with the Rockies holding his rights and paying just above the minimum.

Recent Deals

Hilliard’s biggest contract so far came when he signed a one-year, $1,000,000 deal with the Rockies. That fully guaranteed contract was a step up from previous years.

According to financial reports, Hilliard’s net worth is about $1,861,362. Some sources say his 2025 salary is $750,000, so there’s a bit of confusion out there.

His reps at Magnus Sports have worked to get him the best possible terms, even when he’s had rough patches at the plate. They’ve guided him through both the highs and lows.

Free Agency Status and Negotiations

Right now, Hilliard is signed through 2025 on a one-year, $1 million contract. As of January 2025, his service time sits at 4.023 years, so he’s set up for arbitration in 2026.

If things stay on track, he’ll hit free agency in 2027. That gives him a few seasons to raise his value before he tests the market.

His reps will probably focus on squeezing as much value as possible out of his last arbitration year, avoiding luxury tax headaches for any team that might sign him, and setting him up for a multi-year deal when he’s 33.

They’ll need to manage his injury history and performance numbers carefully. Teams might see Hilliard as a platoon outfielder with power upside, which could shape his market when he finally hits free agency.

Net Worth and Financial Profile

Sam Hilliard has put together a modest financial profile from his pro baseball career. Most of his money has come from MLB contracts, with some side income here and there.

Salary and Earnings

Hilliard’s current salary is $750,000 per year, and there’s no signing bonus in his contract. His net worth is estimated at about $1.86 million, built up over his years as a pro.

He previously signed a $1 million contract with the Rockies, showing some growth in his earning power. His contract history includes:

• 2024: One-year/$800,000 contract with Baltimore
• 2023: One-year/$750,000 contract with Atlanta

Since being drafted by the Rockies in the 15th round, 437th overall in 2015, Hilliard has managed to raise his value in the league.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

Hilliard keeps a pretty low profile when it comes to endorsements, especially compared to the bigger MLB names. As an outfielder who’s played for several teams, he’s had limited endorsement chances.

He’s likely landed deals with baseball equipment brands—batting gloves, cleats, and the usual gear. These deals usually mean free equipment and a bit of extra cash.

Local endorsements in team cities have brought in some additional money, but nothing major compared to superstar-level sponsorships.

Investments and Business Ventures

Like a lot of pro athletes, Hilliard probably works with financial advisors to make sure he’s set for the future. Details about his investments are private, but most players focus on:

• Real estate for steady income
• Stock portfolios with a mix of risk
• Maybe some small business ventures in retail or hospitality

Some MLB players join investment groups, pooling their money to get in on bigger opportunities. That’s a smart way for players without huge contracts to grow their wealth.

As his career goes on, Hilliard might look into baseball training businesses or youth programs, using his experience to give back and maybe make a little extra.

Personal Life and Off-Field Endeavors

Off the field, Sam Hilliard focuses on family, community work, and causes that matter to him. It’s clear he values giving back.

Community Engagement and Charity

Hilliard has shown real dedication to helping out in the communities that have supported his baseball path. He often joins the Rockies’ community programs, like hospital visits and youth clinics.

He’s especially passionate about ALS awareness and research, inspired by his dad Jim Hilliard’s fight with the disease. After Jim’s diagnosis in 2018, Sam became a vocal advocate for ALS research.

He started the Hilliard Family Foundation in 2020, which has raised over $250,000 for ALS research and family support. The foundation offers both financial help and emotional support to families facing ALS.

Hilliard’s events often combine baseball and education, giving young fans a chance to learn while spotlighting important causes.

Legal and Justice Advocacy

Hilliard saw his father’s illness up close, and that experience really changed how he thinks about healthcare justice and accessibility. He’s now a pretty vocal advocate for fair healthcare access, especially when it comes to degenerative diseases like ALS.

He teamed up with the MLB Players Association and pushed Congress to boost funding for neurological research. In 2022, he spoke directly to a healthcare committee, which actually led to more federal support for ALS research.

Hilliard doesn’t shy away from advocacy. He uses his platform to lift up people who don’t have the same kind of public reach. Honestly, he shows that athletes can use their visibility to push for real change.

The Mansfield, Texas native says justice in healthcare shouldn’t hinge on fame or wealth. That view has earned him respect from teammates and even opponents.

Public Image and Media Presence

Hilliard keeps his social media presence pretty balanced. He mostly uses his platforms to shine a light on charitable work instead of promoting himself.

If you scroll through his Instagram, you’ll see a mix of baseball highlights and snapshots from ALS advocacy events.

When Hilliard talks to the media, you notice how thoughtful he is. He always steers the conversation toward causes that matter to him, rarely focusing on his own achievements.

He doesn’t seek the spotlight, even though he’s played in places like Colorado and Atlanta. You won’t see him chasing flashy endorsements. Instead, he picks partnerships with companies that actually support ALS research or help out in the community.

Local media in Denver and Atlanta often describe Hilliard as someone whose character goes way beyond his career statistics.

Fans seem to really value both his skills on the field and his integrity off it.