Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Arm: 60 | Field: 55 | Overall: 45
Hilliard was known more as a pitcher early in his amateur days, even getting drafted as a left-hander by the Twins when he was in junior college in 2014. His bat came alive the following year after he transferred to Wichita State and his upside as a hitter got the Rockies to take a chance on him with a 15th-round selection. He's shown glimpses of putting his tools into production, playing 2018 in Double-A, then really standing out with a strong Arizona Fall League performance to earn a spot on the 40-man roster.
On any given day, Hilliard will show all five tools. Given that he didn't really start focusing on his offensive game until college, he's still learning to hit. He made some adjustments to his swing at the end of his 2018 season, adding a small leg kick to replace a toe tap with strong results, especially in the AFL. It allowed him to keep his weight back, wait on breaking balls more and lay off of ones out of the strike zone, something that has previously plagued him. It should help him tap into his easily plus raw power more consistently. He runs very well for his size and while he has seen time in all three outfield spots, he fits the profile of an athletic power-hitting right fielder with a plus arm.
Because of his size, athleticism and tools, Hilliard sometimes gets Larry Walker comps, minus the plus hit tool. That's an unfair standard obviously, but there is ceiling for Hilliard to still grow into. Statcast - Batting Season Pitches Batted Balls Barrels Barrel % Exit Velocity Launch Angle XBA XSLG WOBA XWOBA XWOBACON Hard Hit % K % BB % 2019 383 54 7 13.0 90.8 8.4 .240 .478 .407 .341 .420 42.6 26.4 10.3 ALL 383 54 7 13.0 90.8 8.4 .240 .478 .407 .341 .420 42.6 26.4 10.3 MLB 40553 6.3 87.5 11.2 .251 .412 .317 .318 .371 34.5 21.7 8.3 Transactions Team Date Transaction 08/27/2019 Colorado Rockies recalled RF Sam Hilliard from Albuquerque Isotopes. 03/11/2019 Colorado Rockies optioned RF Sam Hilliard to Albuquerque Isotopes. 11/20/2018 Colorado Rockies selected the contract of Sam Hilliard from Hartford Yard Goats. 06/02/2018 Hartford Yard Goats activated RF Sam Hilliard from the 7-day disabled list. 05/26/2018 Hartford Yard Goats placed RF Sam Hilliard on the 7-day disabled list. 03/29/2018 RF Sam Hilliard assigned to Hartford Yard Goats from Lancaster JetHawks. 01/29/2018 Colorado Rockies invited non-roster OF Sam Hilliard to spring training. 04/01/2017 RF Sam Hilliard assigned to Lancaster JetHawks. 02/26/2017 LF Sam Hilliard assigned to Colorado Rockies. 04/05/2016 LF Sam Hilliard assigned to Asheville Tourists from Grand Junction Rockies. 03/28/2016 OF Sam Hilliard assigned to Colorado Rockies. 06/18/2015 Colorado Rockies signed OF Sam Hilliard. 06/18/2015 OF Sam Hilliard assigned to Grand Junction Rockies.
