If last fall is any indication, the Rockies have their next star-in-waiting in outfielder Sam Hilliard. He went deep in his major league debut Aug. 27, and finished with seven home runs over the season’s final stretch.

But the 25-year-old understands dwelling on one month of decent baseball isn’t going to help him this spring, where he’s expected to compete for a platoon spot in the outfield.

“All those (projections) are cool, and the fact that I had a good September is great,” Hilliard said. “But I try not to pay attention to (the headlines), because I don’t think it’s going to help me. I just want to keep my head on straight and do exactly what I’ve always done, which is play hard and not listen to what’s happening on the outside.”

Hilliard has developed that tunnel vision since enrolling at Navarro Community College as a lightly-recruited player out of Mansfield High School in Texas, where he didn’t make varsity until he was a junior. From the bench at Navarro, Hilliard transferred to Crowder College, finding enough success as a two-way player that he earned a scholarship to Wichita State. There, he washed out as a pitcher and came into his own as a left-handed slugger.

So, while Hilliard’s had these types of “ah-ha” moments on the diamond before, you’ll forgive him if he feels like he still has more to prove.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to compete and be on the team for opening day,” Hilliard said. “My goal and my focus is not on individual stats or homers or steals or whatever. It’s on helping the team win.”

The 6-foot-5, 235-pound Hilliard spent his offseason training in the Fort Worth area, adding about 15 pounds that he had lost by the end of the 2019 season. He also spent ample time in the cage with ex-Rockies outfielder Brad Hawpe and took advantage of time around his family.

Hilliard’s dad, Jim, is a former linebacker at the University of Texas and a retired orthopedic surgeon who was diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) before spring training two years ago.

“My dad is hanging in there — his spirits and his positivity is still very high, and that certainly makes it easier for the rest of us,” Hilliard said. “My parents will be coming down to spring training and to Denver for games, so I’ll still be able to see him. He is inspiring.”