The Colorado Rockies drafted outfielder Sam Hilliard in the 15th round of the 2015 MLB Draft from Wichita State University. At 6’4″ and 236 lbs, Hilliard’s plus speed and ability to hit for power intrigued the Rockies. In his career, Hilliard has hit .219/.296/.438 and struggled to find his footing in the league due to major strikeout issues. While still striking out at a 35.4% rate in 2024, Hilliard provided solid contributions to the Rockies. If Hilliard starts the season strong in a crowded outfield, he could entrench himself in the Rockies lineup and be a strong candidate for a breakout season.
Rockies Outfielder Poised for a Stellar 2025 Season
In his first five seasons, Hilliard hit only 32 home runs. The Rockies gave him a long runway to reach the tantalizing potential he possessed. But as he continued to deal with Ks and not have the power production, the Rockies traded him to the Atlanta Braves. After one season with Atlanta, where he struggled, Hilliard returned to the Colorado Rockies halfway into 2024.
With the Rockies firmly out of contention, taking another chance on Hilliard made sense. Hilliard mostly was in a reserve role but did play in 58 games with the Rockies, earning more opportunities as he continued to produce. His slash line of .239/.305/.507 was his best since his rookie season. While still striking out at a high rate, he was one of the Rockies’ best power hitters. Hilliard was performing like the player the Rockies front office had imagined. He was a big part of a surge in power by the entire Rockies lineup, and he could just be getting started.
Hilliard Finally Reached His Power Potential
Hensley Muelens was hired in 2023 to be the Colorado Rockies hitting coach. Hilliard is a perfect microcosm of the progress Muelens has made so far with Colorado. While the Rockies had their best home run production in years last season, they still ranked near the bottom of the league in strikeouts. Hilliard still struck out at a high rate but was seeing some of the best homer production of his career. He ranked very highly in several hitting categories, per Statcast.
- Avg. Exit Velo: 94.6 MPH
- 14.8% barrel rate
- 52.3% Hard-hit rate
- Bat Speed: 75.3 mph
Hilliard’s 10 home runs and 27 RBI in 58 at-bats were both some of the best numbers in his career by a wide margin. He recorded 14 home runs and 34 RBI in 2021 but did so in 81 at-bats. Hilliard ranked eighth on the Rockies in home runs but was hitting them at a way higher rate compared to fellow teammates Charlie Blackmon and Brendan Rodgers. Blackmon and Rodgers hit 12 and 13 home runs in 124 and 135 games, respectively.
Hilliard was also a part of a team-wide surge of home run production away from Coors Field. Hilliard recorded five homers on the road in 68 at-bats. He joined teammate Ezequiel Tovar as one of the Rockies who had a multi-homer game on the road. In a 6-5 win against the Cincinnati Reds on July 10, Hilliard went 2-4 with two home runs and three RBI. It was a statement game for Hilliard and was the beginning of more consistent playing time.
Sam Hilliard – Colorado Rockies (1)
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Hilliard Is an Exciting Part of the Rockies Youth Movement
Hilliard fits the mold of the type of player the Rockies are looking for. He has excellent arm strength and speed, ranking in the top 12% in the MLB with 91 mph arm strength and 28.8 sprint speed, per Statcast. His five stolen bases tied his career high for most in a season. He can be a major part of the Rockies approach to be more aggressive on the bases and continue the home run production.
Doyle is entrenched as the everyday centerfielder for Colorado. Jordan Beck and Nolan Jones are likely the leading candidates to start at the corners heading into spring training. Sean Bouchard will be right behind them, and highly touted prospect Zac Veen is set to debut next season. However, all of those players have dealt with injuries in the past couple of seasons. There will be the opportunity for Hilliard to earn at-bats. If he starts 2025 where he left off in 2024, he could become a consistent figure in the Rockies lineup.
Hilliard is an easy guy to root for and a fan favorite. He is very humble and has been open about his father’s fight with ALS. He and his family are leading the charge for fundraising efforts and spreading awareness about the disease. He has shown flashes throughout his career in Colorado and is brimming with potential. When he returned to Colorado in 2024, he finally turned a corner. Everything is in front of him going into next season. On the precipice of a potential breakout with the team where his career began.
Main Photo Credits: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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