UPDATE: The Colorado Rockies have just announced that Warren Schaeffer will return as the full-time manager for the 2026 season. This decision comes after a tumultuous year for the franchise, which ended with a staggering 119 losses—the most in the National League since the 1962 New York Mets.
Schaeffer, who stepped in as interim manager when Bud Black was fired on May 11, took the reins after a dismal 7-33 start. Despite the challenges, including finishing a daunting 50 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West, Rockies officials are expressing confidence in Schaeffer’s leadership.
“We’re confident Warren is the right person to lead our club moving forward,” said Paul DePodesta, the new president of baseball operations, in a statement. “He has established strong relationships with our players and embodies the energy and work ethic we want on and off the field.”
This season marked a historical low for the Rockies, who posted a starting rotation ERA of 6.65, the highest since this statistic became official in 1913. The team allowed 1,021 runs, the most since the 1996 Detroit Tigers. Furthermore, their run differential of -424 is the worst since 1900.
Despite these setbacks, there were bright spots. All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman showcased a breakout season, hitting .278 with 31 home runs and 91 RBIs. The Rockies also celebrated 2024 Gold Glove winners in Ezequiel Tovar and Brenton Doyle, indicating potential for future success.
As the franchise looks to rebuild, Schaeffer expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue leading the team. “My focus remains on continuing to build a strong, unified culture based on accountability, hard work, and trust,” he stated. “We have a group of guys who care deeply about competing the right way.”
In a related development, Bill Schmidt, the general manager, was dismissed earlier this month, with the Rockies indicating that a replacement will make future managerial decisions, amplifying the urgency for a turnaround.
The Rockies are set to draft young talent and develop their prospects, including outfielders Zac Veen and Yanquiel Fernandez, as they aim to reshape the team for a more competitive future.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Rockies prepare for the upcoming offseason and the 2026 season. This is a critical moment for the franchise, and fans are eager to see how Schaeffer will lead them into a new chapter.
