As the 2025 MLB Draft approaches on July 13, Team USA manager Mark DeRosa has made a striking prediction regarding Ethan Holliday, a leading prospect in this year’s class. DeRosa drew a comparison between Ethan and two-time World Series MVP Corey Seager, praising the young player’s potential and skill set.
DeRosa’s remarks stem from his firsthand experience, having played alongside Ethan’s father, Matt Holliday, during the 2009 St. Louis Cardinals season. Reflecting on that time, DeRosa shared details about Ethan and his brother Jackson’s athleticism and presence in the clubhouse.
First off, I played with his father, Matt,
DeRosa said on MLB Network.
I watched Jackson and Ethan for about half a season in ‘09 running around that clubhouse, and they were athletic as all get-out. Jackson’s a little different. Ethan’s a monster. He reminds me more of his dad.
He gives you Corey Seager vibes.
—Mark DeRosa, Team USA Manager
Jackson Holliday, Ethan’s older brother, was the first overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft and debuted with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024 at just 20 years old. Though Jackson experienced some challenges in his rookie season, his 2025 campaign highlights improvement with a .234 batting average, .290 on-base percentage, .380 slugging percentage, and 13 home runs through midseason.
DeRosa perceives Ethan as even more physically formidable than Jackson, emphasizing his raw power potential at a similar age.
Ethan Holliday — the potential No. 1 pick in the 2025 Draft — takes hacks before the High School All-American Game.
MLB Pipeline’s scouting report echoes this view, describing Ethan as the hardest hitter in his draft class with impressive bat speed, leverage, and strength still developing.
Understanding the Corey Seager Comparison for Ethan Holliday
Though scouts debate Ethan’s long-term defensive position, DeRosa is confident his bat will work at any spot on the field. He highlights Ethan’s determination to remain a shortstop, drawing parallels to Corey Seager’s early career when Seager resisted moving off shortstop despite size concerns.
And this guy, it doesn’t matter if it’s a toe tap or a leg kick, the swing flat-out plays,
DeRosa explained.
He wants to play shortstop. I know a lot of people are talking about him potentially being pushed to third base, but I remember when Corey Seager was coming out of high school. That was one of the most gorgeous swings I had ever seen from a high school shortstop. And he fought vehemently to never come off shortstop.
—Mark DeRosa, Team USA Manager
Standing 6-foot-4, Ethan’s physical frame closely matches Seager’s. He currently plays shortstop at Stillwater High School, though he logged time at third base as a freshman. DeRosa envisions Ethan as a future middle-of-the-order hitter and a strong candidate for a top draft pick.
Many experts rank Ethan as the top high school position player in the 2025 class. If the Washington Nationals select left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson with the first overall pick, Ethan might be available to the Colorado Rockies at number four.
So Ethan — if he ends up going No. 1 overall, or potentially fourth to the Colorado Rockies — he gives you Corey Seager vibes. That big-bodied shortstop who’s going to fight hard to stay at that position. Worst-case scenario? He becomes a middle-of-the-order bat who moves to third.
—Mark DeRosa, Team USA Manager
Stellar Senior Season Boosts Ethan’s Draft Stock
Ethan’s senior year at Stillwater High School featured outstanding offensive numbers, cementing his status as a premier prospect. He achieved a remarkable .611 batting average, 1.295 slugging percentage, 19 home runs, and an OPS of 2.038. These numbers earned him the Gatorade Oklahoma Baseball Player of the Year award, an honor his brother Jackson earned in 2022.
Details and Timing of the 2025 MLB Draft
The 2025 MLB Draft will take place over two days, July 13 and 14. The first three rounds are scheduled for the opening day, Sunday, beginning at 6 p.m. ET. Given his talent and pedigree, Ethan Holliday is expected to be selected within the top five picks as one of the most highly regarded high school hitters available. His selection will further extend the noteworthy Holliday family legacy in professional baseball.