Brotherly Bonds and Draft Day Dreams: Ethan Holliday Eyes MLB Spotlight as No. 1 Pick
The Holliday family might just be on the verge of making history—again.
Imagine two brothers, both first-overall MLB Draft picks, both from the same small town of Stillwater, Oklahoma, both born with baseball in their DNA. If the stars align, Ethan Holliday, the youngest of the baseball-bred siblings, could soon join his older brother Jackson as top dog in the big leagues’ most elite amateur selection. And this year, all eyes are on July 13 in Atlanta, when the MLB Draft kicks off with Ethan’s name likely to be called early—if not first overall.
“It’s out of your hands once you get to this point,” Jackson Holliday shared during breakfast with his brother in Arlington, Texas, just days before the draft. “You just hope the right team calls your name. But the Nationals? That’d be a dream.”
Yep, that’s right. Jackson is lobbying for Ethan to land with the Washington Nationals, who hold the No. 1 pick this year. And you better believe that’s no casual wish—it’d create a Beltway baseball showdown between Jackson’s Baltimore Orioles and Ethan’s potential new home in Washington. Let the sibling rivalry begin.
🎯 Key Highlights:
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Ethan Holliday could go No. 1 overall in the 2025 MLB Draft.
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Jackson Holliday was the No. 1 pick in 2022 by the Orioles.
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The Holliday brothers would be the first pair of siblings ever selected No. 1 in MLB Draft history.
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Ethan has drawn comps to MLB stars Gunnar Henderson and Corey Seager.
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The draft will be held July 13 in Atlanta; Ethan will watch from Stillwater with family.
Let’s rewind a bit.
In 2022, Jackson Holliday—now a rising star shortstop for the Orioles—was taken first overall, continuing the family legacy of excellence started by their father, Matt Holliday, a 7-time MLB All-Star. That was huge. But here comes Ethan, and some scouts say he might be even better than his big bro was at the same age.
Standing 6'4" and weighing in at 210 pounds, Ethan isn’t just tall for a shortstop—he’s built like a tank with the athleticism of a gazelle. That lethal mix earned him Gatorade’s Oklahoma Player of the Year honors and Baseball America’s High School Player of the Year title. It’s safe to say this kid isn’t just riding on the family name—he’s forging his own legend.
Jackson, never shy to give credit where it's due, flat out admitted, “He’s better than I was at his age. Stronger, better arm, more power. I’m just proud of the work he’s put in.”
Ethan’s swing is a thing of beauty, too. Perfect Game USA says it best: he’s got a “fluid swing with natural feel for the barrel.” That means he can launch balls to all corners of the park—and with lefty power, no less. Scouts have noted some swing-and-miss issues, sure, but they also agree that his combination of patience and pop more than compensates.
“I think what sets him apart,” Jackson told The Baltimore Sun, “is his ability to control the strike zone and do damage. He’s not just swinging at anything—he’s looking to hurt pitchers. That’s rare.”
And it’s not just his bat. Jackson beams when talking about Ethan’s arm strength. “I’m legit jealous,” he said with a laugh. “He can throw across the diamond like it’s nothing. Honestly, you could put him anywhere in the infield and he’d shine.”
If Jackson had a say in a front office war room, he'd draw comparisons to Corey Seager and Gunnar Henderson. “And of course, Cal Ripken Jr. was probably the original tall shortstop,” he added. “So if you’re talking about lefty-hitting shortstops with pop? That’s the path I see for him.”
Now here’s a fun wrinkle: If Ethan doesn’t land in Washington, he might still find himself in familiar territory. The Colorado Rockies (where dad Matt played) and St. Louis Cardinals (another former team of Matt's) hold the 4th and 5th picks, respectively. Wouldn't that be something?
💥 Family Legacy in the Making
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Matt Holliday: 7-time All-Star, World Series champ.
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Jackson Holliday: No. 1 overall pick in 2022, top prospect for Orioles.
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Ethan Holliday: Set to become a first-rounder—maybe even No. 1 overall.
But before he becomes a pro, Ethan will take in the moment from home, just like Jackson did back in 2022. The whole family will be gathered in Stillwater, friends and relatives all anxiously awaiting the call. The only person who might not make it in time? Jackson.
The Orioles play an early afternoon game at 1:35 p.m. in Baltimore the same day. Unless he finds a private jet and a time machine, Jackson probably won’t be sitting next to Ethan on the couch when the pick is announced shortly after 6 p.m.
Still, they’ve made the most of the little time they’ve got before the big day. “It’s been great,” Jackson said. “We got breakfast, hung out, and I got to see how calm and cool he is about all of this. He’s just taking it all in stride.”
Of course, this brotherly bond goes back way before MLB dreams. The two played together for one season in high school—Jackson at shortstop as a senior and Ethan at second as a freshman. That was the first glimpse the world got at this dynamic duo.
“Back then, Ethan was just like any freshman—quiet, learning,” Jackson recalled. “But now? He’s matured so much. The way he works, handles pressure, it’s just really impressive.”
There’s something in the Holliday DNA. Raised around major league clubhouses, the brothers have always carried themselves like seasoned pros. There’s a calmness about them—a sense that they were built for this stage.
And if the Holliday brothers do make MLB Draft history? They’ll one-up the Upton brothers—B.J. was picked second overall in 2002, while Justin went first in 2005. Two elite talents, no doubt. But two No. 1 picks in the same family? That’s next level.
Jackson, ever the big brother, hasn’t bombarded Ethan with advice. “I’m just here to support him. No pressure, no speeches. Just being a brother.”
🎉 What to Watch For on Draft Night:
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Will Ethan go No. 1 to Washington?
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Will he join one of dad’s old teams like the Rockies or Cardinals?
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Will the Hollidays become the first ever family with two No. 1 overall picks?
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