The Colorado Rockies are facing a daunting challenge: how to escape their long-standing struggles and build a competitive team in Denver's unique environment. After a dismal 2025 season that saw them finish with a 43-119 record, placing them last in the NL West, and a managerial tenure for Warren Schaeffer that has yielded a 36-86 record in his first two seasons, the team is undergoing a significant shift. Leading the charge in this new era is Paul DePodesta, president of baseball operations, in his first season at the helm, aiming to inject fresh perspective and strategy.
Let's talk dollars and sense. The team's largest luxury tax hit comes from OF Kris Bryant, who is slated to earn $26 million. Looking at the returning talent, C Hunter Goodman stands out with an impressive 3.4 fWAR, followed by OF Jordan Beck (1.3 fWAR) and SS Ezequiel Tovar (0.9 fWAR). On the pitching front, LHP Kyle Freeland is the top returning starter with a 2.5 fWAR, though he also led the majors with 17 losses last year. Among the relievers, RHP Jimmy Herget (1.3 fWAR) is a key figure.
The roster has seen quite a shake-up! Key additions include INF Willi Castro, OF Jake McCarthy, INF Edouard Julien, RHP Michael Lorenzen, LHP Brennan Bernardino, RHP Keegan Thompson, C Brett Sullivan, INF Nicky Lopez, and RHP John Brebbia. However, the Rockies are also saying goodbye to a number of players, including RHP German Marquez, INF Thairo Estrada, LHP Austin Gomber, INF Orlando Arcia, INF Kyle Farmer, C Jacob Stallings, 1B Michael Toglia, C Drew Romo, RHP Angel Chivilli, and RHP Bradley Blalock. The future looks a little brighter with SS Ethan Holliday ranked as the 80th best prospect in Baseball America's top-100.
Keep an eye on these critical developments. The Rockies' history is marked by a scarcity of postseason appearances – only five in 33 years, with the last one in 2018. They are coming off one of their worst seasons since 1900, and the perennial question remains: can they build a consistent contender in Denver's thin air? This is where it gets interesting: Paul DePodesta, a name familiar from the 'Moneyball' narrative, is returning to baseball after a decade with the Cleveland Browns. He's brought in Josh Byrnes from the Dodgers to be his right-hand man, signaling a new strategic direction.
But here's where it gets controversial... Kris Bryant's tenure with the Rockies has been plagued by injuries. Since signing a seven-year, $182 million deal, he's played in only 170 games over four years. Last year, a lumbar degenerative disc disease limited him to just 11 games. While Bryant has stated he has no plans to retire, the Rockies appear to be planning for 2026 without him, a decision that could spark debate among fans.
And this is the part most people miss: Even if Bryant is sidelined, the Rockies have offensive talent, as evidenced by Hunter Goodman's 31 homers and Silver Slugger Award. The real puzzle for DePodesta is pitching. With Kyle Freeland being the only starter to post an ERA below 6.30 last season, finding reliable arms is paramount. Fangraphs projects the Rockies to win 65.0 games in 2026.
What are your thoughts on the Rockies' strategy moving forward? Do you agree with the team's apparent decision to move on from Kris Bryant, or do you believe he can still be a key contributor? Let us know in the comments below!
