Jackson Holliday, a leading name among baseball’s young prospects, continues to attract attention following his first overall selection by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2022 MLB draft. As the son of former three-time All-Star Matt Holliday, Jackson represents the latest chapter in a family deeply rooted in baseball excellence. His younger brother, Ethan Holliday, is also gaining momentum as the top prospect in the 2025 MLB draft, making the Hollidays one of the most remarkable baseball families in recent memory.
Jackson established his reputation early while playing for Stillwater High School, where he recorded a .500 batting average complemented by 16 doubles, six triples, six home runs, 57 RBIs, and an impressive 19 stolen bases over 37 games. His elite athleticism, including speed and remarkable plate discipline, earned praise from scouts, who regarded him as one of the most dynamic rotational athletes in his class. This early promise has translated well into his current season.
Jackson Holliday’s 2025 Season Performance and Skills Development
In the 2025 season, Jackson has maintained solid offensive numbers with a .252 batting average, 10 home runs, and 33 RBIs in 314 at-bats, along with an OPS near .701. Advanced metrics highlight his growth, showing a 90.8 mph average exit velocity, a 10.8% barrel rate, a .308 weighted on-base average (wOBA), and a 24.6% strikeout rate. These statistics underscore his continuing refinement and impressive adjustment to higher-level play.
Jackson’s batting skills have been admired since childhood. He often practiced in the basement, imitating his father’s swing with a dedication beyond his years. Reflecting on Jackson’s early mastery, Matt Holliday once remarked,
He’s in a better position than I am… I’m taking tips from a 2- or 3-year-old.
—Matt Holliday, former MLB player
The bond between Matt and Jackson extends beyond baseball fundamentals; they regularly engage in discussions about life and baseball throughout the season. Matt has also played a nurturing role within the family, humorously describing Jackson as a third parent to Ethan, Reed, and Gracyn, emphasizing his maturity and leadership off the field as well.
Ethan Holliday’s Rising Status and His Relationship with Jackson
Ethan Holliday, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 215 pounds, has stunned MLB scouts with his outstanding 2025 high school season. He posted a staggering .611 batting average with 19 home runs and an OPS of 2.038. This remarkable performance follows a rich family tradition of baseball success, beginning with their father, Matt Holliday, who was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 1998 and became an All-Star three times early in his career.
As Ethan prepares for the upcoming MLB draft, he is not only living up to the family name but carving out his own legacy. Both brothers have won the prestigious Gatorade Player of the Year award in Oklahoma, continuing a trend that includes their uncle Josh (1995) and father Matt (1998). This achievement has also made Jackson and Ethan the first brothers to each earn Baseball America’s High School Player of the Year award, marking a historic milestone for the family.
The Competitive Dynamic Between Jackson and Ethan Holliday
Jackson openly acknowledges Ethan’s talent and rising star, noting that Ethan may be more gifted than he was at the same age. While Jackson focuses on advancing his professional career, he hasn’t shied away from commenting on his brother’s promising future in the draft. With a playful tone, Jackson remarked,
Hopefully the Nationals want him as bad as my family would enjoy that.
—Jackson Holliday, MLB prospect
He later added,
But all those teams are great.
—Jackson Holliday, MLB prospect
The possibility of both brothers being drafted first overall by MLB teams would be unprecedented, creating the first sibling duo to achieve such a feat in the history of the MLB drafts. This exceptional rivalry and shared ambition place the Holliday brothers at the vanguard of a new era in baseball sibling competition.
Legacy and Future Impact of the Holliday Brothers in MLB
The Holliday family’s baseball narrative represents more than individual talent; it showcases a passing of the torch through generations of exceptional players. With Matt Holliday’s impactful MLB career as a foundation, Jackson and Ethan are poised to become defining figures in the sport’s future. Jackson’s enduring discipline and evolving skill set, alongside Ethan’s explosive potential and record-breaking high school achievements, position them to influence MLB history profoundly.
As baseball enthusiasts and scouts continue to observe their journeys, the brothers’ progression is a source of inspiration and excitement. Their trajectory suggests not only a continuation of their father’s legacy but also the possibility of redefining sibling rivalry within professional baseball. The next few years will be critical as both make their respective marks in the MLB, potentially ushering in a new chapter of family-driven excellence.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Will Jackson Holliday be called up?
A. Jackson Holliday, the top prospect in Major League Baseball, has been recalled from the Norfolk Tides to play for the Baltimore Orioles just over halfway into the season.
Q. Is Jackson Holliday being called up?
A. The Baltimore Orioles are starting a new chapter with Jackson Holliday. On Wednesday, they promoted the 20-year-old infielder from Triple-A Norfolk. Holliday is MLB Pipeline’s top overall prospect. To create space for him, they designated infielder/outfielder Tony Kemp for assignment.