Potential Targets for the No. 4 Pick in the 2025 MLB Draft

As the Colorado Rockies prepare for the 2025 MLB Draft, holding the No. 4 overall pick gives them a prime opportunity to bolster their farm system with a transformative talent. With a thin pitching pipeline and a need for high-upside position players to complement stars like Ezequiel Tovar, the Rockies have several intriguing options. Here, I highlight four standout prospects—Ethan Holliday, Eli Willits, Jamie Arnold, and Liam Doyle—who could be the perfect fit for Colorado’s future at Coors Field. Each brings a unique skill set, addressing different needs for a team looking to rebuild and compete.

Ethan Holliday, son of Matt Holliday

Ethan Holliday (SS/3B)

Ethan Holliday, an 18-year-old infielder from Stillwater High School (OK), is the top high school prospect in the 2025 draft class and a name Rockies fans should know and watch closely. As the younger brother of 2022 No. 1 pick Jackson Holliday and son of former Rockies star Matt Holliday, Ethan carries a legacy of baseball excellence. Named Baseball America’s 2025 High School Player of the Year, he dominated with a .611 batting average and 19 home runs in his senior season, showcasing elite power potential.

Holliday’s left-handed swing is smooth and explosive, generating triple-digit exit velocities (up to 111 mph) and projecting for 30+ homers annually in the pros. His raw power, graded as plus-plus, is tailor-made for Coors Field’s hitter-friendly confines, where he could become a middle-of-the-order force. While currently a shortstop, his 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame and average speed suggest a likely move to third base or left field, much like his father. His arm strength and improved defensive instincts give him a chance to stick at shortstop, though, offering versatility.

The biggest question is his hit tool, as Holliday’s aggressive approach leads to occasional swing-and-miss issues (31% whiff rate in measured events). If he refines his plate discipline, he could be a .270 hitter with massive power; otherwise, he risks settling as a .230 hitter with 20 homers. His leadership, honed through Team USA experience and handling intentional walks, adds to his appeal. For the Rockies, Holliday’s star potential and marketability make him a dream pick at No. 4, assuming he’s available after teams like the Nationals or Angels make their selections.

Eli Willits (SS)

Another Oklahoma high school standout, 17-year-old Eli Willits from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School brings a different flavor to the draft. A switch-hitting shortstop with an Oklahoma commitment, Willits—son of former MLB outfielder Reggie Willits—offers a high floor and defensive excellence. His polished game and youth (he won’t turn 18 until December) make him a top-10 prospect with a bright future.

Willits’ calling card is his plus hit tool, with a disciplined approach (12% chase rate) and compact swing from both sides, drawing comparisons to a young Anthony Volpe. While his power is modest (projecting for 10-15 homers), his youth suggests room to grow into fringe-average pop. Defensively, he’s a standout, with plus footwork, soft hands, and a strong arm, making him a near-certain bet to stick at shortstop. His plus speed adds value on the bases, perfect for Coors Field’s spacious outfield and gap-heavy games.

Willits’ grinder mentality and baseball IQ, shaped by his father’s coaching, shine through in high-pressure settings like the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup, where he played alongside Holliday. His low-risk profile makes him a safe pick, though his limited power caps his ceiling compared to Holliday. If the Rockies prioritize a future anchor at shortstop to pair with Tovar, Willits is an ideal choice, especially if Holliday is off the board.

Both Holliday and Willits realistically are the only high school players that would make sense for the Rockies at 4. Seth Hernandez has plenty of risk.

Jamie Arnold (LHP)

For the Rockies, who desperately need pitching to navigate Coors Field’s challenges, Florida State’s Jamie Arnold is a compelling option. The 21-year-old left-hander entered 2025 as a potential No. 1 pick after a 2024 season where he racked up 159 strikeouts in 105 2/3 innings. Though his stock dipped slightly due to inconsistent outings, his low-slot delivery and advanced pitch mix make him a high-floor arm with a quick path to the majors.

Arnold’s fastball (92-95 mph, touching 98) features significant ride from a release point reminiscent of Chris Sale, paired with a plus slider that generates high whiff rates. His changeup is a reliable third pitch, while his cutter needs polish to fully round out his arsenal. With an 8% walk rate and repeatable mechanics, Arnold throws strikes and limits damage, a critical trait for Coors Field. His 2025 season (84 2/3 innings, 5.6% walk rate) showed resilience, with a standout stretch of 12 innings and 19 strikeouts late in the year.

While Arnold’s frame limits velocity projection, his deception and control could make him a No. 3 starter or better, potentially debuting by mid-2026. The Rockies’ interest in college pitchers, combined with their need for rotation stability, aligns perfectly with Arnold’s profile. If Holliday or other bats are gone, Arnold offers a safe, impactful choice to bolster Colorado’s pitching core.

Liam Doyle (LHP)

Tennessee’s Liam Doyle, a 21-year-old lefty, brings electric stuff and high ceiling to the table, making him another strong pitching option for the Rockies. After a breakout 2025 season (2.39 ERA, 127 strikeouts in 74 2/3 innings), Doyle led Division I in strikeouts and emerged as a top-10 prospect. His transfer to Tennessee and dominance against SEC competition boosted his stock significantly.

Doyle’s fastball is his standout pitch, sitting mid-to-upper 90s (up to 100 mph) with elite carry and run, generating a 45% whiff rate. His upper-80s splitter flashes plus, while his slider and cutter are works in progress. However, his high-effort delivery raises questions about his long-term role, with some scouts projecting him as a dominant reliever rather than a starter. His 2025 metrics (.147 opponent average, 0.84 WHIP) highlight his dominance, though late-season fatigue showed areas for growth.

At Coors Field, Doyle’s “invisible” fastball could thrive, but his reliance on one pitch and command inconsistencies pose risks. If the Rockies believe they can develop his secondary pitches, he could become a No. 2 starter or high-leverage reliever. While riskier than Arnold, Doyle’s upside makes him an exciting fallback if top bats or other arms are unavailable at No. 4.

Other potential targets: Kyson Witherspoon (RHP), Tyler Bremner (RHP), Jace LaViolette (OF)