Ethan Holliday (Image Credits: Imagn)

Ethan Holliday Hits Back At Critics With Bold Message

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Paranjoy Goswami | Last updated Mar 23, 2026 9:10 AM ET

While all top prospects in the MLB have a massive burden of expectations on their shoulders, Ethan Holliday probably carries a lot more pressure to succeed than others. He is the younger son of seven-time All-Star slugger Matt Holliday. Moreover, his older brother, Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday, was drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in 2022.

On Saturday, Ethan Holliday opened the score for the Colorado Rockies in their Spring Breakout encounter against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 19-year-old left-hander smashed a two-run double to right-center field in the first inning. Holliday was asked after the game whether he silenced naysayers with his performance on the field.

“I wouldn’t say ‘quieted,'” he told Blake Street Sports. “Those opinions don’t matter to me. I’m not playing for their approval. Or anything amongst anyone other than the people in the dugout. I’m trying to win games. I couldn’t care less what the people have to say.”

“Those opinions don’t matter to me. I’m not playing for their approval.”

Ethan Holliday on silencing the doubters in the Spring Breakout
pic.twitter.com/O5uqZz4kXO
— Milb Central (@milb_central) March 22, 2026

Despite getting a couple of hits from Ethan Holliday in the game, the Rockies were on the wrong end of an 11-3 drubbing against the Diamondbacks.

It’s Just An Ongoing Thing: Ethan Holliday Expects Naysayers To Stay On His Tail

Ethan Holliday believes fans and critics will base their opinions on his performance at any given moment. He will earn praise if he does well and be hammered if he does not produce on the field. Therefore, Holliday does not concern himself with it, focusing solely on developing his abilities day to day.

Who else but Holliday?

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— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) March 21, 2026

“The same people that were talking smack are going to applaud me for today’s game,” he said. “I could go 0-4 for tomorrow, and they’ll have something to say. It’s just an ongoing thing. So, I’m just focused on every pitch and the process.”

The Colorado Rockies selected Ethan Holliday as the fourth overall pick in the 2025 MLB draft. The shortstop is currently ranked at No. 24 among the top 100 prospects by MLB Pipeline. He will probably start the year in Single-A with the Fresno Grizzlies in the California League.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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