Holliday shines, Arguelles shows off his arm in Rockies' Spring Breakout

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Highlights from the Rockies’ 10-3 loss to the Diamondbacks in Saturday evening’s Spring Breakout:

HOLLIDAY 1-2-3

1. He can handle the weight of being No. 1
His father, Matt Holliday, was drafted at 18 and developed until age 24 and became an All-Star two seasons later. Holliday’s older brother, Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday, debuted two seasons ago at age 20 but is still considered a developing player.

Rockies No. 1/MLB Pipeline No. 24 prospect Ethan Holliday is 19, and was 18 in his first pro season, and is reminded by his father and brother that he’s learning. Still, at times last year -- when he was moved to Single-A Fresno not long after the Draft -- he was judged harshly. It doesn’t consume him, but he doesn’t mind letting it motivate him.

"I'm going into this to have fun -- I also have something to prove," Holliday said before the game. "I have a chip on my shoulder. This offseason, there's been a lot of noise and a lot of nonsense online.

"I'm trying to go out there and have fun, and enjoy the game that I've always loved."

2. The Rockies handed him a special jersey number
Holliday took the field at shortstop wearing No. 2. The year he was born, a young No. 2 shortstop was a rookie and a key part of a Rockies team that went to the 2007 World Series. Troy Tulowitzki became the best shortstop in the history of a club that has been strong at the position.

“I didn’t pick it,” Holliday said. “No. 2 is a special number. I know ‘Tulo.’ I’m proud to wear his number, and hopefully he’s proud to see me in it.”

3. It was another day with Dad
In an exhibition game against the Rockies on March 4, Team USA invited Holliday as an extra player, as top stars were still working their way into shape. Matt Holliday served as hitting coach for the American squad -- and the Rockies invited him to serve in the same capacity for Spring Breakout.

“It’s cool to have him around and introduce him to some of my new teammates,” Ethan Holliday said. “It’s really cool to see them work with him, and it’s always good to have your dad around.”

STATESIDE STRONGARM

The Rockies thought enough of outfielder and current No. 23 prospect Cristian Arguelles, 18, to sign him for $700,000 in 2024. Last season, his second in the Dominican Summer League, Arguellas earned league MVP honors with a dominant .422/.528/.652 slash line.

On Saturday, he flashed a strong left arm with a 93.1 mph throw from left field to erase LuJames Groover, who was trying to reach second after his single in the second inning.

Rockies No. 5 prospect Robert Calaz uncorked a 96.4 mph throw in the fifth.

BRITO CAN GET USED TO THIS

No. 4 prospect Roldy Brito, a second baseman who was the Arizona Complex League MVP last year and finished the season in the playoffs with Fresno, fits the bigger stage just fine. In his Cactus League debut against the White Sox at Glendale, he had an infield single and flashed plus-speed on a first-to-home dash. In the Breakout, Brito went 2-for-4 with a double.

“I always have confidence in what I do -- those are the times I need to show what I can do as a player,” Brito said in Spanish, with ACL manager Fred Ocasio interpreting.

HEDGES LOOKS GOOD IN THE YARD

No. 17 prospect Ethan Hedges was selected in the third round last year -- and batted .195 in 20 games at High-A Spokane in his first pro season. Things like that happen, so he got it out of the way early.

“It was almost a good thing to deal with that,” said Hedges, who slashed .346/.462/.619 with 14 home runs in his final collegiate season at USC. “You know it’s going to come.”

Hedges, however, backed up one of the assessments about him. He can field and has a strong arm -- one strong enough that the Trojans used him as closer. He made a couple of strong plays during Spring Breakout.

CLEAR-EYED ASSIGNMENTS

Rockies No. 2/MLB Pipeline No. 70 prospect Charlie Condon, a first baseman and outfielder, and Cole Carrigg, a center fielder and shortstop, had lengthy runs in Major League camp. They’re expected to begin the 2026 season at Triple-A Albuquerque. Both understand that they need experience, although the going sentiment is both could make a Major League debut in 2026.

Condon drew two walks in the Breakout. Carrigg was listed on the roster but did not play.