SAM HILLIARD NEWS

Headed to Korea Hilliard signed a contract with the KT Wiz of the Korea Baseball Organization on Wednesday, Dan Kurtz of MyKBO.net reports.

Impact Hilliard played in 20 games with the Rockies this past season, during which he slashed .196/.328/.412 across 61 plate appearances. He performed considerably better in Triple-A to the tune of a .932 OPS over 414 plate appearances and will now take his talents to Korea, where a strong season could enable him to recapture the attention of MLB executives.

1 DAY AGO • ROTOWIRE

Clears waivers, sent to Triple-A Hilliard cleared waivers Friday and was outrighted to Triple-A Albuquerque, Suzie Hunter of GuerillaSports.net reports.

Impact Hilliard was DFA'd by Colorado on July 1, but he'll remain in the organization. The 31-year-old has drawn plenty of walks (16.4 percent walk rate) but has otherwise struggled in the majors this season, slashing .196/.328/.412 with two homers, three RBI, two steals and a 37.7 percent strikeout rate over 61 plate appearances. He posted a .910 OPS with six home runs, 24 RBI and five thefts over 40 contests with Albuquerque prior to getting called up in late May.

JULY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Clears waivers, sent to Triple-A Hilliard cleared waivers Friday and was outrighted to Triple-A Albuquerque, Suzie Hunter of GuerillaSports.net reports.

Impact Hilliard was DFA'd by Colorado on July 1, but he'll remain in the organization. The 31-year-old has drawn plenty of walks (16.4 percent walk rate) but has otherwise struggled in the majors this season, slashing .196/.328/.412 with two homers, three RBI, two steals and a 37.7 percent strikeout rate over 61 plate appearances. He posted a .910 OPS with six home runs, 24 RBI and five thefts over 40 contests with Albuquerque before prior to getting called up in late May.

JULY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Rockies recall their No. 5-ranked prospect, outfielder Yanquiel Fernández

The Colorado Rockies have recalled outfielder Yanquiel Fernández, the organization’s No. 5-ranked prospect, from Triple-A Albuquerque

JULY 1 • Associated Press

DFA'd by Rockies The Rockies designated Hilliard for assignment Tuesday, Patrick Lyons of JustBaseball.com reports.

Impact His roster spot will be absorbed by Yanquiel Fernandez. Hilliard accepted an outright assignment by the Rockies prior to Opening Day, but it's unclear whether he would do so again, provided he clears waivers.

JULY 1 • ROTOWIRE

Yamamoto throws 5 sharp innings before rain delay, Muncy hits grand slam as Dodgers beat Rockies 8-1

Max Muncy had a grand slam and drove in six runs, Yoshinobu Yamamoto allowed one hit over five scoreless innings before exiting after a rain delay and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat...

JUNE 26 • Associated Press

Nationals stop 11-game skid as Wood hits second 2-run homer in 11th for 4-3 win over Rockies

James Wood hit a pair of two-run homers, including a game-winning shot in the 11th inning, and the Washington Nationals snapped their 11-game losing streak with a 4-3 victory over...

JUNE 19 • Associated Press

Splitting time in center field Hilliard went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk Tuesday against the Nationals.

Impact Hilliard remains a part-time player, but he has started in center field in three of the Rockies' last six games. He launched his first home run since his 2025 debut on May 30, though he does have a total of six extra-base hits across 39 plate appearances.

JUNE 18 • ROTOWIRE

Rockies hit a franchise record-tying 7 homers, 2 by Michael Toglia, in 10-6 win over Nationals

The Rockies hit a franchise record-tying seven home runs, including two from Michael Toglia, and Antonio Senzatela won his second game of the season, as Colorado held off the Washi...

JUNE 18 • Associated Press

Arcia has 2-run single in 9th to rally Rockies to 8-7 win over Giants

Orlando Arcia hit a two-run, single with two outs in the ninth inning and the Colorado Rockies rallied to beat the San Francisco Giants 8-7 to snap a five-game losing streak

JUNE 12 • Associated Press

Hilliard 'earning himself a role' with strong return to Rockies DENVER – The Rockies’ dream of avoiding suffering their 12th sweep of the season and fourth at Coors Field on Sunday afternoon had largely b...

JUNE 8 • MLB.COM

Sitting against righty again Hilliard is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins.

Impact After getting called up from Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday, Hilliard was on the bench for the Rockies' loss to the Mets that day but started against right-handed in each of the ensuing three games. Hilliard recorded three hits and drew a walk over 12 appearances in those contests, but the Rockies aren't yet prepared to hand him a regular starting role quite yet. The 31-year-old finds himself on the bench for a second consecutive matchup with a right-hander (Cal Quantrill) in Wednesday's series finale.

JUNE 4 • ROTOWIRE

Sitting against righty again Hilliard is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Marlins.

Impact After getting called up from Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday, Hilliard was on the bench for the Rockies' loss to the Mets that day but started against right-handed in each of the ensuing three games. Hilliard recorded three hits and drew a walk over 12 appearances in those contests, but the Rockies aren't yet prepared to hand him a regular starting role quite yet. The 31-year-old finds himself on the bench for a second consecutive matchup with a right-hander (Cal Quantrill) in Wednesday's series finale.

JUNE 4 • ROTOWIRE

Hunter Goodman homers twice as Rockies beat Marlins 6-4 to end 8-game losing streak

Hunter Goodman homered twice, including a go-ahead two-run shot in the fifth inning, and the Colorado Rockies beat the Miami Marlins 6-4 to snap their fourth eight-game losing stre...

JUNE 3 • Associated Press

Getting steady run in lineup Hilliard will start in left field and bat leadoff in Monday's game against the Marlins.

Impact After being called up from Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday, Hilliard sat out against lefty David Petersen in the Rockies' series opener with the Mets, but he started versus right-handers in the final two contests of the weekend and will remain in the lineup again against righty Max Meyer as Colorado opens its series in Miami. Hilliard has gone 3-for-7 with a solo home run and a walk since his call-up, and while he's swinging a hot bat, he looks like he'll get the chance to play regularly for a Rockies squad that's desperate for impact bats.

JUNE 2 • ROTOWIRE

Getting steady run in lineup Hilliard will start in left field and bat leadoff in Monday's game against the Marlins.

Impact After being called up from Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday, Hilliard sat out against lefty David Petersen in the Rockies' series opener with the Mets, but he started versus right-handers in the final two contests of the weekend and will remain in the lineup again against righty Max Meyer as Colorado opens its series in Miami. Hilliard has gone 3-for-7 with a solo home run and a walk since his call-up, and while he's swinging a hot bat, he looks like he'll get the chance to play regularly for a Rockies squad that's desperate for impact bats.

JUNE 2 • ROTOWIRE

Launches homer in 2025 debut Hilliard went 1-for-1 with a solo home run in Friday's 4-2 loss to the Mets.

Impact Hilliard was brought into the Rockies' 26-man roster before Friday's game after his contract was selected from Triple-A Albuquerque. He pinch hit for Tyler Freeman in the seventh inning, and Hilliard took advantage of the opportunity by taking Huascar Brazoban deep to right-center field for a solo home run. Hilliard is unlikely to see regular playing time but could see some spot starts in the outfield.

MAY 31 • ROTOWIRE

Lindor homers from each side and Soto snaps hitless streak as Mets top Rockies 4-2

Francisco Lindor homered from both sides of the plate and made a leaping catch at shortstop that saved at least two runs, sending the New York Mets to a 4-2 victory over the Colora...

MAY 31 • Associated Press

Deadspin | Rockies add OF Sam Hilliard, INF Thairo Estrada to roster Deadspin | Rockies add OF Sam Hilliard, INF Thairo Estrada to roster

MAY 30 • DEADSPIN.COM

Thairo Estrada activated from 60-day IL to make Rockies debut

Second baseman Thairo Estrada has been reinstated from the 60-day injured list and immediately inserted into the cleanup spot for his Colorado Rockies debut against the New York Me...

MAY 30 • Associated Press

Contract selected Friday The Rockies selected Hilliard's contract from Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday.

Impact Hilliard was designated for assignment in late March after missing out on Colorado's Opening Day roster, but he'll receive another chance in the big leagues after posting a .288/.372/.538 slash line with six homers and five steals in 40 games with Albuquerque. The 31-year-old had an .812 OPS in 158 plate appearances with the Rockies last season but isn't likely to have a regular spot in the lineup.

MAY 30 • ROTOWIRE

Passes through waivers The Rockies outrighted Hilliard to Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday.

Impact Hilliard appeared to be in good position to make the Rockies' Opening Day roster but was ultimately designated for assignment last week, when Colorado signed Mickey Moniak to a one-year deal to round out its depth in the outfield. Though he turned in a 107 wRC+ over 158 plate appearances in the majors with Colorado in 2024, Hilliard's lack of minor-league options likely worked against him in landing a spot on another team's 40-man roster. After clearing waivers, Hilliard will remain in the Colorado organization and will head to Triple-A while he waits for another opportunity in the big leagues.

MARCH 31 • ROTOWIRE

Designated for assignment The Rockies designated Hilliard for assignment Thursday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Impact The move frees a spot on the 40-man roster for Mickey Moniak, who was officially signed Thursday. Hilliard had an .812 OPS in 58 games with Colorado last season, but he posted a .489 OPS and 48.2 percent strikeout rate this spring and it cost him a job. He could draw interest on waivers from a team in need of outfield help.

MARCH 27 • ROTOWIRE

Rockies give outfielder Mickey Moniak $1.25M, 1-year deal after his release from Angels

The Colorado Rockies have added outfield depth by agreeing to a $1.25 million, one-year deal with Mickey Moniak

MARCH 27 • Associated Press

Significant struggles in spring Hilliard has gone 2-for-21 with 11 strikeouts in Cactus League action.

Impact Hilliard was expected to make the Opening Day roster as the primary backup center fielder with the chance to also start at a corner position. His defense could still earn him a roster spot, but Sean Bouchard's strong start to spring training is hurting Hilliard's outlook, per Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post.

MARCH 9 • ROTOWIRE