The outfield has been one of the more interesting ​position battles for the Colorado Rockies in Spring Training. Entering the year it was projected that the outfield would consist of Nolan Jones in left field, Brenton Doyle in center, and Jordan Beck in right. Still, the Rockies hedged their bets, stocking up in camp with the likes of veteran outfielder Nick Martini on a minor league deal and giving Sean Bouchard and Zac Veen ample opportunities. Those three players were seemingly battling for a spot on the bench as an extra outfielder while the Rockies planned to use Sam Hilliard once again as a fourth outfielder. However, that plan may be in jeopardy for Hilliard.

Hilliard, 31, has experienced a challenging 2025 Spring Training. Over 36 at-bats, he has managed only two hits, resulting in a .056 batting average. This performance includes 21 strikeouts, highlighting significant struggles at the plate which has been the case throughout his career.

The Rockies were certainly hoping for a better showing after Hilliard returned to the club last season after the Rockies claimed him off waivers in Spring Training. In the 2024 season, Hilliard served as a fourth outfielder, participating in 58 games. He posted a .239 batting average with 10 home runs and 27 RBIs, alongside five stolen bases, culminating in an OPS of .812. Defensively, he was average, recording a -2 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and 1 Outs Above Average (OAA).

His performance and embracing of a bench spot as somewhat of a mentor for the younger outfielders led the Rockies to sign Hilliard to a $1 million contract in arbitration. As a homegrown player, Hilliard has experience playing in Colorado, which provides valuable insight for the other players on the team. His immense power potential showed well off the bench and he was quite effective in his limited role with the big league club after a stellar season in Triple-A Albuquerque before he was called up.

Despite his current struggles in amp, Hilliard’s defensive versatility and past contributions should keep him in contention for a roster spot. His ability to play all outfield positions, coupled with the wear shown by Doyle in center field, suggests that Hilliard could provide valuable depth. ​However, despite the defensive versatility, the team has other players that can fill in for Doyle, such as Veen and Beck alongside Jones on occasion.

The success of the other players at the plate puts some pressure on Hilliard’s role. Bouchard’s impressive start to Spring Training has bolstered his case for a spot on the Opening Day roster, potentially impacting Hilliard’s chances while Veen has lingered in camp to impressive results to enter the conversation. Additionally, Hilliard’s current performance exemplifies the Rockies’ ongoing issue with high strikeout rates, a stark contrast to the steady patience and quality contact Martini has showcased in Cactus League play.

Looking ahead, projections for Hilliard’s 2025 season suggest a potential rebound. Forecasts estimate a .230 batting average with 15 home runs and 10 stolen bases over approximately 360 at-bats. These projections indicate that, despite recent struggles, Hilliard possesses the capability to contribute meaningfully over a full season.​ He entered Spring Training with the desire to start if given the opportunity but would be fine filling whatever role the team needed. That flexibility and team mentality is what makes him a favorite for the Rockies, but at the end of the day, performance is still needed. If Hilliard isn’t playing every day, then the team has to be confident that they can call upon him off the bench or every couple of days and get contributions offensively. Historically, Hilliard has struggled with that role in his career, especially at the big-league level.

While Sam Hilliard’s 2025 Spring Training performance has been subpar, his defensive versatility and power potential may warrant a spot on the Rockies’ roster. However, to secure his position, he will need to address his strikeout issues and demonstrate improved consistency at the plate. The final decision will likely hinge on his ability to adjust and perform as Spring Training progresses, alongside the performances of his competitors in the waning days of camp. There is a world where the Rockies carry Hilliard alongside Martini, Bouchard, and perhaps another outfielder, but it feels redundant and doesn’t help the Rockies progress as a club.

If the purpose of Spring Training is to help the Rockies put out the best team for Opening Day to start the season, then no job should be safe, including Hilliard’s, especially if better options have presented themselves.