Holliday Family Faces Off in Team USA-Rockies Exhibition

Rockies prospect Ethan Holliday will play against his father, Team USA hitting coach Matt Holliday, in the exhibition game.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The upcoming World Baseball Classic exhibition game between Team USA and the Colorado Rockies will feature a unique family connection. Former Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday is serving as a hitting coach for Team USA, while his son Ethan Holliday, the Rockies' top prospect, will be one of 12 Rockies minor leaguers serving as backups for Team USA against their parent club.

Why it matters

This matchup between father and son provides a rare and memorable moment in baseball, as the younger Holliday gets to face off against his experienced MLB veteran father on the international stage of the World Baseball Classic.

The details

Ethan Holliday, the Rockies' 2025 4th overall draft pick, is expected to join Team USA as a backup shortstop for the exhibition game. The 19-year-old prospect spent last season at Single-A Fresno, hitting .239/.357/.380 with 2 home runs. Despite his young age, Holliday is considered one of the top prospects in the Rockies' system due to his raw power and above-average bat speed.

  • The Team USA-Rockies exhibition game is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Matt Holliday

A former Rockies outfielder who is serving as a hitting coach for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Ethan Holliday

The top-ranked Rockies prospect for 2026 and the 4th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, who will serve as a backup shortstop for Team USA against his father's team.

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What’s next

The exhibition game between Team USA and the Rockies is expected to provide a special moment for the Holliday family, as the younger Ethan faces off against his experienced father Matt on the international stage.

The takeaway

The Holliday family's involvement in the Team USA-Rockies exhibition game highlights the unique connections and intergenerational talent that can be found in professional baseball, providing a memorable moment for both the players and fans alike.