After getting bludgeoned by Kyle Schwarber and shut down by ace lefty Cristopher Sanchez in a 6-0 loss at Philadelphia on Sunday, the Rockies are 16-25 with one-quarter of the season in the books.

Schwarber hit solo home runs in the first and second innings off right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano, who gave up five runs on seven hits over five innings. Sanchez dominated Colorado for seven innings, giving up six hits, striking out seven, and walking none. He reduced his ERA to 2.11.

It was a step back for Colorado, but a week ago, Paul DePodesta, president of baseball operations, said, “We’re certainly encouraged by a lot of what����ap going on, but at the same time, far from satisfied.”

Here’s a look at the state of the Rockies at the quarter pole:

• On pace: The Rockies’ .390 winning percentage has them pointed toward a 63-99 record. That would be a 20-game improvement over their 119-loss season in 2025 and enable them to avoid the infamy of being the first team since the 1961-64 Washington Senators to post four consecutive 100-loss seasons.

• White Sox meter: Chicago’s Southsiders lost a major league record 121 games in 2024. At the quarter pole last year, they were a miserable 12-29, but they eventually finished with a 60-102 record. That was a 19-game improvement.

• Road conditions: Colorado was laughably bad on the road last season, going 18-63, averaging just 2.81 runs per game, and getting outscored by 213 runs. The ’26 Rockies no longer look like automatic roadkill. They are 8-14 away from Coors Field but 6-4 over their last 10 games. They are averaging 3.95 runs per game on the road.

• Rotation in motion: The ’25 Rockies finished with a starters ERA of 6.65, the worst in the majors since ERA became an official statistic in 1913. This season’s starters own a 5.27 ERA, still the worst in the majors, but an improvement. Toss out the innings thrown by “openers” and the starters’ ERA is 5.11.

• Ace in the making? Right-hander Chase Dollander, who has the pure best stuff on the staff, is exponentially better this season than last — 3.35 ERA vs. 6.98 ERA as a rookie. On Friday, he held the Phillies to two runs and three hits in 5 2/3 innings, but walked five in the Rockies’ wild, 9-7, 11-inning victory. Dollander’s command was not sharp, but he didn’t implode as he might have last season.

“Every outing is different, for everybody,” Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer told MLB.com. “Today, for Chase, he had to battle command issues, but his stuff is so good that he was able to stay in it. He competed, and he kept grinding without his best command.”

Trade material: Except for Dollander, Colorado’s four other starters are all veterans in the final year of their contracts. That makes them possible trade candidates at the Aug. 3 deadline, if not before.

However, after a strong start to the season, the starters are beginning to fade. Lefty Kyle Freeland (1-4, 6.00 ERA) has a vesting option worth $17 million for 2027, but he needs to pitch 170 innings to activate that option, and it’s doubtful he will. There is a $9 million team option for right-hander Michael Lorenzen, but considering that he is 2-4 with a 6.92 ERA and a 3.56 batting average against, it’s doubtful the Rockies would pick up his option. But are either Lorenzen or Freeland tradeable?

That leaves lefty Jose Quintana (1-2, 3.90 ERA) and Sugano (3-3, 4.07 ERA) as the most attractive trade pieces. And throw in reliever Antonio Senzatela (2-0, 1.11 ERA), too, because he’s also in the final year of his contract.

Somehow, someway, the Rockies are going to have to restock their pitching cupboard for next season and beyond. It’s a predicament that DePodesta and company will have to solve.

Men of mystery: The hope was that this would be corner outfielder Jordan Beck’s breakout season, and that centerfielder Brenton Doyle and shortstop Ezequiel Tovar would bounce back. It’s early, but it’s not happening.

After going 1 for 3 on Sunday, Beck is hitting .169 with a .490 OPS. Doyle (.196, .529, 33.6% strikeout rate) is showing signs of rebounding, as is Tovar (.197, .277, 28.6%), who had two singles on Sunday. Still, the trio is underperforming. Beck and Doyle are often supplanted in the lineup by Mickey Moniak and newcomers Troy Johnston and Jake McCarthy.

He’s arbitration-eligible for one more season, leading to plenty of internet trade speculation. But if the Rockies don’t believe their outfield prospects are ready to carry the load, signing Moniak to a reasonable contract extension makes sense. He’s making $4 million this season.

First addition: Utility infielders Edouard Julien and Willi Castro, and outfielders Johnston and McCarthy have all contributed to Colorado’s improvement. But it’s rookie first baseman TJ Rumfield who looks like part of the Rockies’ foundation for the future.

He’s slashing .272/.337/.429 with five home runs and is tied with Moniak for the team lead with 21 RBIs. Among all qualified rookies, he is tied for first in games played (40), second in hits (40), fifth in RBIs (21), and eighth in batting average. He’s also a terrific fielder.

Rumfield is everything the Rockies hoped Michael Toglia would be.

Pitching probables

Monday: Off day
Tuesday: Rockies RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-4, 6.92 ERA) at Pirates RHP Paul Skenes (5-2, 2.36 ERA), 4:40 p.m.
Wednesday: Rockies LHP Jose Quintana (1-2, 3.90) at Pirates RHP Mitch Keller (4-1, 2.87 ERA), 4:40 p.m.
Thursday: RHP Chase Dollander (3-2, 3.35) at Pirates RHP Carmen Mlodzinski (2-3, 4.50 ERA), 10:35 a.m.

TV: Rockies.TV
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM

“The ultimate goal is to bring consistent winning seasons to this organization,” Schaeffer said on the day he slipped off the interim tag and was officially named Rockies manager. “You’re going to see winning baseball in Denver a lot sooner than you think.”

Raise your hand if you were skeptical.

I don’t blame you. Three consecutive 100-loss seasons, topped off by last year’s 119-loss disaster, tend to squeeze the optimism out of even the most positive fans. But Scheaffer might be on to something.

Entering Sunday’s doubleheader vs. the Mets (Saturday’s game at Citi Field was rained out), the Rockies are 11-16. They have been solid at home (7-6), though predictably wobbly on the road (4-10). They are on pace to finish 66-96, which would be a 23-game improvement from last season. I picked the Rockies to lose 102 games, so they are exceeding my expectations — at least in the early going.

Some very early observations, questions, and predictions with 16.6% of the season in the books:

The bullpen has been excellent: Even with the Padres’ ninth-inning rally vs. Victor Vodnik last Thursday, the relievers have been the best thing about the Rockies this season. Colorado’s 3.77 ERA ranks 12th in the majors, and considering the Coors Field factor, that’s pretty good. Former starter Antonio Senzatela looks reborn. He’s given up two runs over 18 innings (0.50 ERA) with 18 strikeouts vs. four walks.

Is the bullpen’s excellence sustainable? History tells us no. The wear and tear of the season usually causes Rockies relievers to implode in August and September. Schaeffer and the front office are well aware of that history, which is a reason why we’re seeing Colorado use so many “bulk relievers.” Pitchers like Jimmy Herget, Chase Dollander and Senzatela have been purposely scheduled for multiple innings, with the hope that late-game relievers won’t be toast in August. We’ll see if it works.

Can Dollander become a true ace? Yes, he can. It’s not just that his stats — 2.88 ERA, .198 batting average against, 32 strikeouts vs. seven walks — but his demeanor, self-confidence, and easy power that give him a chance to be great. Of course, a true ace doesn’t have a reliever opening games for him, but I imagine that set up is going to change sooner rather than later.

Who’s a possible All-Star? Right now, the Rockies have two candidates — catcher Hunter Goodman (.264 average, .870 OPS, six homers) and outfielder Mickey Moniak (.315, 1.050, eight). But there are two caveats here. First, Goodman’s 37.3% strikeout rate is much too high. Second, Moniak has had hot streaks before. Can he be productive for a full season?

But wouldn’t it be cool if Moniak gets to play in the All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia? Remember, the Phillies selected him with the first overall pick in the 2016 draft.

Ezequiel Tovar will play better: The shortstop has not played well thus far, at least not by his standards. His .967 fielding percentage ranks 10th in the majors, his 3.70 range factor is ninth, and his 0.0 DWAR ranks 23rd. His numbers will improve because he’s a talented, athletic shortstop who could still end up in the Gold Glove conversation.

However, Tovar looks lost at the plate right now, as evidenced by his .216/.255/.330 slash line that includes just one home run.  His strikeout rate is 28.4%, his walk rate is just 2.9%, and his chase rate is a very hight 48.5%. Those are reasons why he’s hitting low in Schaeffer’s lineup.

When Tovar hit .269 with 26 homers and 45 doubles in 2024, I thought he was just getting warmed up. It’s early, but he needs to become a more disciplined hitter to become the star so many envisioned.

What’s up with Brenton Doyle and Jordan Beck? There have been flashes that they could be pillars of the Rockies’ outfield for years to come. That’s not happening right now.

Beck isn’t getting on base consistently (.204 on-base percentage), so he’s not getting consistent playing time, which, in turn, is part of the reason why he’s hitting just .160 with one home run. He’s in no-man’s land right now. He might be a slow starter, but he’s going to need to earn more at-bats to climb out of his funk. That’s not easy in the big leagues.

Doyle is beginning to hit the ball hard again, and the Rockies need his defense in center field. But he’s striking out 35% of the time, and his track record shows he’s a streak hitter. Right now, he’s slashing .219/.288/.288 with one home run and a .143 average with runners in scoring position. The jury is still out on his future.

TJ Rumfield is a real find: The rookie first baseman is everything that former first baseman Michael Toglia was not. In Friday night’s win over the Mets, he put together a seven-pitch at-bat against Freddie Peralta with the bases loaded in the fifth inning. Rumfield didn’t get a hit, but he grounded out and scored a run. He takes unselfish at-bats, which is not always easy for a rookie. He’s hitting a solid .292 (7 for 24) with runners in scoring position.

Major decisions loom for the front office: Paul DePodesta, president of baseball operations, has been progressive since taking over the front office — pitch-calling “suggestions” from the dugout, a lot of new people on staff, and beefing up the analytics department.

Former general manager Bill Schmidt was criticized for holding on to players and getting nothing in return. So I’ll be curious to see how many veteran starters DePodesta will put on the market as the Aug. 3 trade deadline comes into view. Right-handers Michael Lorenzen and Tomoyuki Sugano, and lefty Jose Quintana, are all pitching on one-year deals. Lorenzen has a $9 million club option for 2027, but I doubt the Rockies will pick it up. Senzatela is also in the final year of his contract.

The wild-card here is lefty Kyle Freeland, who’s in his 10th year with the Rockies. He’s pitched terrifically so far, but his stint on the injured list means his player option likely won’t kick in. He needs to pitch 170 innings for his $17,000 option to vest for 2027.

Pose a Rockies- or MLB-related question for the Rockies Mailbag.

Is Zac Veen going to make the team? If so, will he play?

— Chris Haag, Cincinnati

Chris, you are not the only one asking about Veen. He’s an intriguing player because he was a first-round draft choice (No. 9 overall in 2020), and because he has prodigious power potential.

But Veen, 24, did not make the Opening Day roster for Friday’s game at Miami because he’s dealing with a knee injury that slowed him for much of spring training. Even if Veen had been healthy, I doubt he would have made the team. He has a lot of work to do to become a better outfielder, and he needs work as a hitter, too. There are a lot of holes in his swing. The hope is that he doesn’t turn into a strikeout machine like the departed Michael Toglia.

Like a lot of people, I’m rooting for Veen, who’s had to deal with a lot in his young life, including substance abuse issues.

I have been following the Rockies since their 2007 run to the World Series. What a ride that was. My younger stepson learned baseball at Coors Field. He saw Chris Iannetta hit a ninth-inning grand slam against the Houston Astros and has gone with me since. My question is this: What in the world does everyone see in Jordan Beck? I see a lot of strikeouts. I see an impossibly uncontrollable swing. His head turns completely on his shoulders. He cannot possibly see the ball after he swings. Yes, he has gotten better in the outfield on defense and has a really good, accurate arm. But at the plate? Please help me out here.

— Ari Nixon, Brush

Ari, I think the best word to describe Beck is “streaky.” But when he’s hot, he’s a force, so I understand why so many fans and members of the front office and coaching staff believe he has All-Star potential. Plus, you have to remember that Beck is only 24.

Consider this little statistical nugget: per OptaSTATS, Beck became the second player in major league history to have his first five home runs of a season all come in two days (April 24-25), joining Ty Cobb on May 5-6, 1925. Beck was also the first Rockie in history to have five home runs in any two-day span.

But also consider this: He opened the 2025 season with the Rockies but was quickly optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on April 7 after starting the season 3 for 20 (.150) over nine games.

And then there are his dramatic home/road splits. He slashed .303/.348/.466 with 18 doubles, three triples, eight home runs, and 36 RBIs in 76 games at home, while slashing .204/.280/.355 with nine doubles, three triples, eight home
runs and 17 RBIs in 72 road games.

Finally, Beck needs to cut down on the K’s. He struck out 80 times in 251 plate appearances in the second half last season, a 31.9 strikeout percentage that was the eighth highest in the majors post All-Star break.

I’m not as critical of Beck’s plate approach as you are. He wouldn’t have gotten this far without a decent approach. He still has a solid chance to be a very good big-league player.

For the first time in years, the Rockies have changed their front office personnel and incorporated new ways to play baseball and win games. Even if the new regime is successful (75-80 wins) and analytics take hold, how many years can we wait to consistently get .500 baseball? How far is the Rockies’ analytics department behind the league? I predict 75-87 (maybe my last prognostication). Cheers!

— Robert Emmerling, Limon

Robert, I salute your optimism. But 75-87 this season?! In the name of the late Harry Caray, “Holy Cow!” I don’t see it.

Like you, I applaud the Rockies’ willingness to change their process. It’s way past time. As far as consistent, .500 baseball? I would think 2028 would be reasonable.

Hi Patrick, I have enjoyed your insights for a long time for both baseball and football. I also enjoyed reading your dad’s articles for many years. The Rockies have historically done well developing Latin American players (Ubaldo Jimenez, German Marquez, Ezequiel Tovar, etc.). Are there any young Latin American players we should be looking for in the near future to make an impact? Why don’t I ever see the Rockies being named as a possible suitor in the Asian market? Both Japan and Korea have produced many quality MLB players in the last few years, but I never see the Rockies as a possible landing spot. Thanks.

— Gene Ryan, Green Valley, Ariz.

Ryan, thanks so much for the compliment and for remembering my dad, Dusty Saunders.

A quick, bittersweet anecdote about my dad, who was a big baseball fan. My dad died at age 90, almost four years ago. I was with him on the day he died, and I was watching a Rockies road game when he passed. In his eulogy, I joked that my dad woke up briefly, saw that the Rockies were getting rocked again, and said, “I can’t take it anymore.” Then he passed away.

OK, on to your question. The Rockies’ best Latin players right now are outfielder/second baseman Roldy Brito (Dominican Republic), outfielder Robert Calaz (Dominican), and third baseman/shortstop Wilder Dalis (Venezuela).  I think 2028 would be the earliest we see any of them in the big leagues.

As for the Rockies’ presence in Asia, they used to simply punt, believing they couldn’t compete. But Paul DePodesta, the new president of baseball operations, plans to change that.

“I absolutely think it’s important,” DePodesta said during baseball’s winter meetings in December. “We’ve talked about a necessity for us to be sort of active in every possible avenue to acquire talent. So whether it’s Latin America, whether it’s Asia, whether it’s the waiver wire, you have Major League free agent [and] trades. I mean all of it. I think we have to be actively involved in all of those to try to find some potential solutions for us. And so I do think that’s an area where we’ll probably ramp up our efforts to some degree.”

At this point, it is pretty obvious to everyone, including Kris Bryant and the bat boy, that he will never play baseball again. With the highest annual player salary on the team, you would think he would be inclined to initiate a contract renegotiation to provide some relief to our current payroll. Seems like I remember Todd Helton doing this, which was a pretty stand-up and classy move to help the team.

Do you think these discussions may be possible at all?

Looking forward to all your 2026 Rockies articles!

— Troy, the biggest Rockies fan in Virginia

Troy, thanks for reading. It’s very much appreciated.

You’re correct, Helton did defer part of his contract. In March 2010, Helton signed a two-year extension ($9.9 million 2012–13) that also reworked his 2011 salary and 2012 buyout, totaling $13.1 million in deferred money.

However, the Bryant situation is much different. Helton was still playing, and he was a Rockies icon, with deep ties to ownership. Bryant is not playing and is still owed $81 million over the next three seasons. Plus, Bryant’s agent is Scott Boras, one of the most powerful men in sports, and he’s going to get all of that money for his client.

At some point, a deal will likely be worked out. This is what I wrote last November:

“Retirement, with a financial agreement worked out with the Rockies, seems like the sensible course of action. It����ap what former Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg eventually did when he finally retired in April 2024. Strasburg, who had not pitched since June 9, 2022, is receiving all the remaining $105 million owed from his original seven-year, $245 million contract.

“His original contract was heavily deferred — $11.4 million annually, according to USA Today — with Strasburg scheduled to receive $26.5 million in 2027, ’28 and ’29. When Strasburg retired, the contract was restructured to spread out the deferrals further into the future.”

Who will be doing the Rockies radio broadcasts in 2026? On the spring training simulcasts, I thought I understood they were auditioning three possible partners with Jack Corrigan. Who employs them? Are the TV broadcasters the same as before? Thank you.

— Steve, Aurora

Steve, funny you should ask. I had just reached out to David Tepper, the program director at 850 KOA. He told me that it has not yet been decided who will work with Corrigan in the radio booth. For now, Corrigan will team with longtime producer Jesse Thomas when the Rockies open their season on Friday in Miami.

During spring training, the Rockies auditioned Zach Goodman (announcer for the Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles and son of Drew Goodman, the Rockies’ longtime TV play-by-play man), Albuquerque Isotopes announcer Josh Suchon, and Hartford Yard Goats announcer Jeff Dooley. I believe one of those three will join Corrigan.

KOA is looking to replace Jerry Schemmel, the longtime Colorado broadcaster, who was laid off for the second time by iHeartMedia last October. Schemmel now works as an ambassador and chief fundraiser for Best Day Ministries in downtown Longmont.

Do the Rockies have enough to win 50 or 60 games this season?

— Ed Helinski, Auburn, N.Y.

Ed, you’re not a glass-half-full kind of guy, are you? At least not when it comes to the Rockies. They will be improved, so yes, they can win 60 games. In fact, my preseason prediction is a 60-102 record.

But now, with a new front office and coaches in place, the players insist there is a new direction and a new energy at Salt River Fields. For Rockies fans, hope might finally be a worthy investment.

But now comes the hard part. All of the talk, strategy, meetings, and optimism must transfer to the baseball field. Work begins in earnest on Tuesday with the Rockies’ first full-squad workout.

Here are 10 questions that need to be answered:

1. Will the latest approach to solving the Rockies’ pitching pay off? After a torturous 2025 season that featured one of the worst team pitching performances in major league history, the pitching think tank was overhauled. The revamped staff features pitching coach Alon Leichman, assistant Gabe Ribas, bullpen coach Matt Buschmann, and Matt Daniels as the director of pitching.

They will be working on pitch sequencing, pitch shaping and expanded repertoires — all being steered by analytics. The emphasis will be on pounding the strike zone.

2. Do the three veteran, free-agent starters acquired during the offseason — 34-year-old right-hander Michael Lorenzen, Tomoyuki Sugano (35), and lefty Jose Quintana (37) — have enough left in the tank to stabilize Colorado’s wobbly rotation? At least in the short term, to buy some time? If they can, it will give the Rockies’ young pitchers more time to develop.

3. Was prized right-hander Chase Dollander able to shake off his sometimes nightmarish rookie season? Spring training will provide some hints.

Dollander made several mechanical tweaks during the offseason, hoping to make his sizzling fastball more effective and his slider more dependable in the zone. It’s a huge spring training for Dollander, but, of course, the true test will come at Coors Field. Last season, he had a 3.40 ERA in 10 road starts compared to a 9.98 ERA in 11 starts at Coors Field.

4. Right-handers Seth Halvorsen and Victor Vodnik figure to compete for the closer’s job during camp, but will Halvorsen’s elbow pass the stress test?

He finished last season on the injured list after pitching his final game on Aug. 2. Initially, there were fears that Halvorsen would have to undergo Tommy John surgery. However, tests showed there was no damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow. Halvorsen, who turns 26 on Feb. 18, had Tommy John surgery as a freshman at the University of Missouri in 2019, so his health will be a question mark until it isn’t.

5. Can outfielder Zac Veen overcome his personal demons and become the player Colorado envisioned when they drafted him ninth overall in 2020 out of Florida’s Spruce Creek High School? that he’s struggled with marijuana and alcohol abuse and that it affected his performance. Colorado’s outfield is filled with candidates battling to make the roster. Veen has the most to overcome and the most to prove.

6. The Rockies have a plethora of outfielders, and Colorado is eager to see what it has in newcomer Jake McCarthy, the former Diamondback. They want to see Brenton Doyle rebound. But could a spring training trade be in the works? Don’t rule it out.

7. With strikeout king Michael Toglia now in camp with the Reds, who plays first base for the Rockies? Free-agent acquisition and utility player Edouard Julien could have the inside track, in part because he’s out of options.

The most intriguing first base candidate is prospect T.J. Rumfield, acquired from the Yankees in a trade for right-hander reliever Angel Chivilli. Rumfield was blocked in the Bronx by the likes of Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt. Rumfield slashed .285/.378/.447 with 16 home runs, 31 doubles in 2025 at Triple-A last season.

Troy Johnston, claimed off waivers from the Marlins, will also be in the mix.

Don’t be shocked if the Rockies platoon a number of players at first base.

8. Will Charlie Condon, the third overall pick of the 2024 draft out of Georgia, and the projected first baseman of the future, prove he belongs? The Rockies are sure the answer will be a unqualified yes, but there will be plenty of scrutiny on Condon during his first big-league camp.

Chances are that Condon, just 22, will begin the season at Double-A Hartford, advance to Triple-A Albuquerque, and debut with the Rockies late this season. But could be on the fast track to the majors?

“I’d say never say never on our players,” Paul DePodesta, president of baseball operations, said in December. “He did have a chance through the second half of last year to stay healthy, and then had a really nice Fall League. He’s obviously a very talented player.

“At the same time, we want to create a discussion where he has to go out there and make it happen. But certainly he’ll have some opportunities to do so.”

Condon played through a right-hand injury that marred his first professional season and sustained a fractured left wrist during last spring training. Once healthy, however, Condon made strides in the minors, finished the season at Double-A Hartford, and played well in the Arizona Fall League.

9. What surprises are in store at Salt River Fields? Manager Warren Schaeffer has only hinted at how he’ll run camp, but said it will be unlike the Rockies’ recent spring trainings. Expect plenty of experimentation. At Rockies Fan Fest, DePodesta said fans should expect to see players at spring training playing positions that might be unexpected.

10. Who will be the breakout star of camp? Don’t be surprised if it’s third baseman Kyle Karros. He’s an under-the-radar player, but he’s mature and knows himself. Karros played 43 games with the Rockies last season, starting 41. He slashed .226/.308/.277 with just one home run, but he’s capable of much more. As a defender, he has Gold Glove potential.

The following are some basics for spring training 2026:

Location:

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, Ariz.

Key dates

• Feb. 12: Pitchers and catchers report to camp
• Feb. 17: First full-squad workout
• Feb. 20: First Cactus League game vs. Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields (1:10 p.m. MST)
• March 2: Game vs. World Series champion Dodgers, Salt River Fields (1:10 p.m.)
• March 4: Game vs. Team USA (World Baseball Classic), Salt River Fields (1:10 p.m.)

Games on the radio

850 AM/94.1 FM KOA Rockies Radio Network
(All times Denver time)
• Feb. 20 vs. Diamondbacks (1 p.m. pregame/1:10 p.m. first pitch)
• Feb. 22 at Rangers (12:55/1:05)
• Feb. 24 vs. Angels (1/1:10)
• Feb. 28 vs. Royals (1/1:10)
• March 1 at Guardians (12:55/1:05)
• March 2 vs. Dodgers (1/1:10)
• March 4 vs. Team USA (1/1:10)
• March 8 vs. Guardians (2/2:10)
• March 9 at White Sox (1:55/2:05)
• March 13 vs. Rangers (2/2:10)
• March 15 at Angels (2/2:10)
• March 17 vs. Mariners (2/2:10)
• March 23 vs. Tigers (7/7:10)

Games on TV

Rockies.TV
• Feb. 20 vs. Diamondbacks
• Feb. 24 vs. Angels
• Feb. 28 vs. Royals
• March 2 vs. Dodgers
• March 4 vs. Team USA
• March 8 vs. Guardians
• March 13 vs. Rangers
• March 17 vs. Mariners
• March 23 vs. Tigers

Key player additions

• LHP Brennan Bernardino: experienced lefty reliever.
• RHP Michael Lorenzen: much-needed, experienced depth for the starting rotation.
• RHP Pierson Ohl: depth for the bullpen.
• OF Jake McCarthy: athleticism and speed at all three outfield positions.
• UTL Willi Castro: switch-hitter who can play multiple infield positions, and the outfield, if needed.
• INF Edouard Julien: provides veteran depth at second and first base.
• 1B T.J. Rumfield: Triple-A infielder acquired from the Yankees will compete for the starting spot.

Key player subtractions

• LHP Austin Gomber: free-agent starter became a free agent, signed a minor league deal with the Rangers.
• RHP German Marquez: free-agent starter became a free agent, remains unsigned.
• RHP Angel Chivilli: strong-armed reliever traded to the Yankees.
• 1B Michael Toglia: non-tender by Rockies, signed a minor league deal with Reds.
• OF Yanquiel Fernández: designated for assignment, now a free agent.

Prospects to watch:

• 1B Charlie Condon (Rockies No. 2, via MLB Pipeline)
• OF Zac Veen (No. 11)
• LHP Carson Palmquist (No. 13)
• RHP Gabriel Hughes (No. 14)
• OF Sterlin Thompson (No. 15)
• LHP Welinton Herrera (No. 20)

— Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post

First, Colorado moved to improve its first base depth by acquiring Yankees minor leaguer T.J. Rumfield in exchange for talented but inconsistent right-handed reliever Angel Chivilli.

Then Colorado acquired infielder Edouard Julien and right-handed pitcher Pierson Ohl from Minnesota in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Jace Kaminska and cash considerations.

Both Rumfield and Julien are left-handed hitters, something that DePodesta said the Rockies need. Earlier this month, Colorado struck a deal with Arizona to acquire athletic outfielder Jake McCarthy, also a left-handed hitter.

None of the players Colorado has acquired this offseason is considered a marquee talent, and Julien and McCarthy are coming off subpar seasons, but the Rockies’ new president of baseball operations, believes they all have a big upside.

“It’s much harder to acquire guys when they are coming off a career year, and these players were not necessarily in that situation,” he said. “But we feel really strongly about their capabilities. We hope we can build on that foundation and get them back to where they were and maybe even exceed where they were.”

The Rockies opened two spots on their 40-man roster by trading Chivilli and by designating outfielder Yanquiel Fernández for assignment.

Julien, who turns 27 in April, has experience at second base and first, both positions where the Rockies needed depth. He’s flashed potential, particularly during his 2023 rookie season with the Twins, when he slashed .263/.381/.459 and hit 16 home runs. However, his strikeout rate that season was 31.4%.

Over the last two seasons, Julien bounced back and forth between the majors and the minors and is now out of options. Over the past two seasons, he slashed .261/.406/.440 at Triple-A and his strikeout rate was high.

“We were really intrigued by the player, and he had a really good record with the bat, even going back to High-A, Double-A, Triple-A, and into his rookie season,” DePodesta said. “He’s produced at the major league at different times. The last couple of years, he hasn’t had as consistent opportunities as he did in his rookie year, but we liked his versatility. He can play first, and can play second, and we like that left-handed bat against right-handed pitching.”

As a true first baseman, Rumfield has a bigger upside than Julien. Rumfield was blocked in the Yankees organization by Ben Rice’s emergence. His path to the majors appears clearer in Colorado.

Rumfield spent the entire 2025 season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, slashing .285/.378/.447 with 16 home runs, 31 doubles, a triple and five stolen bases. He had an impressive 11.9% walk rate vs. a 18.4% strikeout rate. In 2024, Rumfield slashed .292/.365/.461 with 15 homers in 114 Triple-A games.

“He’s a solid defender at first base to go along with his bat,” DePodesta said. “He’s been a very productive hitter at Triple-A at age 24 and 25. He’s got really good bat-to-ball skills, and he has some emerging power.

“He’s a guy that can manipulate the bat pretty well and, as a consequence, has hit for average, along with some of that juice. We think he’s a nice combination of skills.”

Rumfield was drafted in the 12th round out of Virginia Tech in 2021 by Philadelphia and was traded to New York before the 2022 season. He gained some traction that season and won the batting title in the Arizona Fall League in 2022, hitting .400.

The Rockies are searching for a solution at first base after they cut ties with former first-round draft choice Michael Toglia. Currently, rookie Blaine Crim sits on the depth chart as Colorado’s top first baseman. The Rockies claimed Crim off waivers from the Rangers in early August.

The Rockies are hoping that No. 2 prospect Charlie Condon will evolve into their first baseman of the future. There is a chance he would make his big-league debut late in the 2026 season.

Ohl, 26, went 0-3 record with a 5.10 ERA and 27 strikeouts across 14 games (three starts) with the Twins in 2025. Across five minor league seasons (2021-25), he was 24-24 with a 3.61 ERA, 373 strikeouts and a 1.13 WHIP in 90 appearances (60 starts). He was named a Texas League postseason All-Star in 2023 and 2025. DePodesta said Ohl could be used as a reliever or a starter.

The hard-throwing Chivilli, 23, went 3-8 with a 6.18 ERA  in 73 games with Colorado over parts of the last two seasons. He was originally signed by Colorado as a non-drafted international free agent in 2018.

Chivilli averages 97 mph with his fastball and also throws an excellent changeup. But he struggled with consistency and gave up too many home runs, averaging 1.99 homers per nine innings over his first two seasons.

“There are a lot of things about Angel that are really attractive, and we weren’t anxious to move him,” DePodesta said. “But we do feel like our bullpen is an area of depth, and there have been a number of clubs that have been asking about our bullpen arms over the course of the last couple of months. Ultimately, this was a deal that seemed to fit and came together for us for T.J. Rumfield.”

The Rockies’ surplus of young, emerging outfield talent made the left-handed-hitting Fernandez expendable.

“It came down to, if we do lose someone, from what part of the roster can we afford to do that?” DePodesta said. “That left-handed hitting outfield spot was just where we were a little heavy.”

Hey Patrick, I have a general curiosity question about MLB front-office structure and, more specifically, job titles. I know and assume that all front offices are different and have their own uniqueness to them, but can you tell me what the difference is between the “president of baseball operations” and the “general manager?”

For the Rockies, we all know Paul DeDodesta is the new head honcho in the front office, but from the outside looking in he has all of the traditional responsibilities of a general manager (trades, free-agent signings, etc.) but not the job title, and his preceding front office leaders (Bill Schmidt, Jeff Bridich, Dan O’Dowd, etc) had the title of GM. Why doesn’t DePodesta have the job title GM? And if he is the final authority on baseball decisions, why hire a “GM?” Seems like with DePodesta in charge, our new GM has the job title in name only. I am just curious if you can elaborate on the differences between the roles?

— Douglas, Denver

Douglas, excellent question that I have been trying to answer myself. I know that DePodesta and new GM Josh Byrnes will work hand in hand, even though DePodesta is the actual boss of the front office. The title of “president of baseball operations” vs. “general manager” is often a matter of semantics.

Anyway, this is what Byrnes told me when I forwarded your question to him:

“At this point, I think most teams have those two titles. As you know, it’s a big operation. Internally, we are both involved in major league club roster decisions, scouting, player development, R&D, performance science, etc.

“In addition, we need to communicate with ownership, media, agents and other clubs. So, we divide responsibilities on all of those things.”

And this is what DePodesta said:

“My view is that Josh and I are partners in this. Both of us will be involved across the baseball operation, with each of us being a bit more involved or a bit less involved in certain areas at particular times of the calendar.”

What new systems, etc., will this front office deploy at the minor-league levels? How will spring training be run differently from the previous front office?

— Logan, Grand Junction

Logan, that remains to be seen. The Rockies’ new front office has said it’s working to get everybody on the same page. That’s been Job 1, and it entails using similar analytics and technology at all levels. Going forward, the franchise would like to add more coaches at the minor league level. We’ll see how that plays out.

As for spring training, manager Warren Schaeffer will have a huge role in structuring a new camp. I know he’s eager to lay out his plan. “Through the roof,” is how he put it. Schaeffer has thus far declined to reveal specifics about how spring training will change, other than saying he wants to focus on improving Colorado’s base running. We’ll know more soon.

Hey Patrick, a couple of questions. First, I am surprised by what is happening. I never thought that (owner) Dick Monfort would bring in outside help. If Monfort lets the new kids on the block run the show their own way, how long would it take to see the effects? I am guessing two to three years before we see anything, but I could be wrong.

Also, how do you think Walt Weiss will pan out in Atlanta? The Braves were my team before the Rockies existed (it was either them or the Cubs, as they were the only ones on TV. Yes, I am dating myself).

— Del, Lamar

Del, I think we are already seeing changes: cutting loose first baseman Michael Toglia and catcher Drew Romo; trading for outfielder Jake McCarthy and lefty reliever Brennan Bernardino; and bringing in free-agent starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen. There are no blockbuster moves there — I didn’t expect any — but I think they are solid decisions.

I don’t expect the Rockies’ record to dramatically improve in 2026, but maybe they can avoid their fourth consecutive 100-loss season. Baby steps. In the best of all possible worlds, the Rockies could sniff .500 in 2027 and make a playoff push in 2028.

You have to give Walker Monfort (Dick’s son) credit for the changes in the front office. I was skeptical he would go outside the organization to rebuild the team, but he did. Kudos to him.

As for Weiss, I’m a big fan. Every player I’ve talked to about Weiss has had positive things to say about him. He’s a solid baseball man, and he learned a lot during his time with the Rockies, as he told me during baseball’s winter meetings. With Weiss at the helm, I expect the Braves to be a contender in the NL East in 2026.

What do you think of the Rockies’ moves so far? Jake McCarthy seems like a cheap pickup for a flyer. I’m not hating on the additions of (pitchers)  Michael Lorenzen and Keegan Thompson either. I mean, they’re not going to make us a .500 team, but at least we’re slowly moving in the right direction.

— Jeffrey, Parker

Jeffrey, McCarthy’s athleticism makes him an intriguing player. Over his five-year big-league career, McCarthy has slashed .260/.324/.381 with 46 doubles, 20 triples, 24 homers and 139 RBIs. He has swiped 83 bases and hit 20 triples. His 29.9 feet/second sprint speed in 2025 was tied for fifth-fastest in the majors among players with at least 200 plate appearances.

But he needs to rebound from a disappointing season that saw him sent down to Triple-A.  After playing in 142 big-league games in 2024, he played in just 67 in 2025, slashing .204/.247/.345 (.591 OPS, 67 OPS+). The trade has a chance to be positive, but if it doesn’t work out, the loss of minor league Josh Grosz is not a big deal. Also, the Rockies have a surplus of young outfielders, so I imagine they will make another trade before spring training begins on Feb. 11.

Finally, while the additions of Lorenzen and Thompson aren’t game-changers, they give the Rockies some needed depth while they look to develop pitchers in the system.

Do you think we’ll try using Michael Lorenzen as a two-way player, maybe like a poor-man’s Shohei Ohtani? He can pitch and eat up innings and play in the outfield.

— Mike, Denver

Mike, Lorenzen will only be a pitcher for the Rockies. The club has more than enough outfielders, and they need starting pitching. I suppose he could be an emergency outfielder or a pinch-hitter.

Which young player is going to make a splash for us this year?

— Mark, Arvada

Mark, my pick is third baseman Kyle Karros. He’s just 23, and he’s still filling out his 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame. I think he’s going to get stronger and hit for more power. He won’t be a prodigious home run hitter, but he’ll show more pop than he did in his late-season debut last season, when he hit just one homer in 31 games (156 plate appearances).

With his strong arm and agility, Karros has the skills to be a solid third baseman with Gold Glove potential. At the plate, he slashed .226/.308/.277 (.585 OPS, 58 OPS+) with a 26.3% strikeout rate. That’s sub-par, but he has a good swing, and he’s going to improve at the plate.

Plus, Karros loves the game and is mature and disciplined. I think he’ll make a quantum leap in 2026.

My second choice to make a big improvement is left fielder Jordan Beck.

Pose a Rockies- or MLB-related question for the Rockies Mailbag.

Do you see Clint Hurdle returning to the coaching staff for 2026?

— Austin Steffens, Greeley

The Rockies are planning for Hurdle to remain with the organization in some capacity in 2026. I don’t know the specifics yet, but I doubt he’ll be part of the big-league coaching staff under manager Warren Schaeffer. Hurdle spent last season with the Rockies, first as the hitting coach, then as the bench coach.

I’m told that with the club still hiring coaches, front-office personnel, and minor league staff, Hurdle’s role is still being discussed. We should know soon.

For Paul DePodesta and new GM Josh Byrnes, what����ap more important: Building a top-10 offense or a top-10 pitching staff?

— Tyler, Windsor

Tyler, that’s a great question. Let me start with a reality check. Because of Coors Field and baseball at altitude, I don’t see the Rockies ever having a top-10 pitching staff. A top-10 offense? For sure, they have done that several times before.

As for what’s important, right now, the priority has to be upgrading the pitching. There were too many games lost last season when the starting pitching was so bad that the Rockies really never had a chance. Bad starting pitching sucked the life out of the team. Consider: Colorado starters had a 6.65 ERA. That’s the worst since ERA became an official statistic in 1913. The Rockies were outscored by 424 runs. That minus-424 run differential surpassed the previous modern record of minus-349, set by the 1932 Boston Red Sox.

In the first inning, the Rockies’ opponents scored 142 runs. The Rockies scored 53. Ouch. Colorado’s first-inning ERA was 3.61, and hitters raked them at a .322 clip. Double ouch.

When a team loses 119 games, as the Rockies did, almost everything was bad, but I think fixing the starting pitching is DePodesta’s No. 1 priority.

Are the Rockies making any progress?

— Ed Helinski, Auburn, N.Y.

Ed, first of all, thanks for being a mailbag contributor from afar. It’s much appreciated.

Short answer to your short question: Yes.

The Rockies said they would reshape the front office by bringing in outsiders. They have done precisely that by hiring Paul DePodesta (president of baseball operations), Josh Byrnes (general manager), Tommy Tanous and Ian Levin (assistant GMs), and Matt Daniels (pitching director).

There is a good mix of forward-thinking baseball folks trying to reshape the team. It’s a good start.

The roster is essentially the same as it was at the end of the season, save for the addition of lefty reliever Brennan Bernardino, who was acquired from the Red Sox. We’ll see what other roster additions are made in the coming weeks. But so far, I’ve been encouraged.

Hi Patrick, for the first time in nearly a decade, I feel somewhat optimistic. Our front office looks like it’s finally moving into the 21st century. Is this a push from Walker Monfort since his promotion?

And what do you think constitutes a successful 2026 season for the Rox? A 20-game improvement and not losing 100 games for the first time in four years?

— Mark, Arvada

Mark, I believe Monfort deserves a lot of credit. When he was promoted to executive vice president, several people within the organization said it was a smart hire, praising Monfort for being open-minded, forward-thinking and proactive.

I was skeptical. I didn’t think owner Dick Monfort (Walker’s dad)  would cede as much power as he apparently has. I also didn’t think the Rockies would be aggressive in pursuing outside talent for the front office. I was wrong.

Still, a 20-game improvement to avoid another 100-loss season is a tall order. The team on the field still has so many question marks and flaws. Ask me again as spring training nears and the roster takes shape.

How do you think the offseason plays out for us, Patrick? Do you see us being more active than we have in previous years and targeting decent free agents? Thanks.

— Mike, Denver

Mike, this probably isn’t what you want to hear, but I don’t see the Rockies being very active in free agency this offseason. I do anticipate some trades, but I think the new front office is still trying to sort out the talent in the organization. A blueprint for the future is still being drawn up, and I don’t think this is the time to be spending a lot of money on free agents. However, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Rockies sign a veteran to play first base.

I’ve heard so much about Charlie Condon being the next big thing for the Rockies. When is he going to make his debut? And what’s going on with Zac Veen?

— Marshall, Parker

Parker, I’m excited about Condon’s potential. He’s a smart, talented and disciplined young player. He might be the first baseman the Rockies hoped Michael Toglia would become but never did.

At the winter meetings earlier this month, Paul DePodesta, president of baseball operations, made an interesting comment when I asked him about filling the hole at first base.

“(The) first-round pick from two years ago is also a pretty good-looking player,” he said, referring to Condon.

The 22-year-old Condon, selected out of Georgia with the third overall pick in 2024, flashed promise last season. At High-A Spokane, he hit .312 with three homers in 35 games. He struggled a bit after his promotion to Double-A Hartford, hitting .235 and slugging 11 home runs in 55 games. So, he’s got to get a lot more professional at-bats before he’s ready to face major league pitching. A call to the big leagues might come in the second half of the season, but I wouldn’t count on it.

As for Veen, I’m wondering if he’s ever going to make an impact in the major leagues. A combination of injuries, bad offensive habits, shaky defense, and immaturity has stalled his progress. Spring training 2026 — unless he’s traded — will tell us a lot about his Rockies future.

The ninth overall selection in the 2020 draft recently turned 24. He put up solid numbers at Triple-A Albuquerque last season,  slashing .289/.354/.468 with 11 home runs, five triples, and 23 doubles in 90 games. He’s shown flashes of talent, but his minor league career has been a roller coaster.

His major league experience has been limited to just 12 games and 37 plate appearances. He struggled, slashing .118/.189/.235 with one home run and 14 strikeouts (37.8% K-rate).

Colorado’s 40-year-old manager, having shed his interim tag, now gets a fresh start. He’s joined Paul DePodesta, the new president of baseball operations, along with Josh Byrnes, the new general manager, in an effort to raise the Rockies from the ashes of their 119-loss season.

Schaeffer will organize spring training 2026 his way.

“I’m through the roof about it,” he said. “This is something you look forward to for a long time. The process that we’re in right now, building a staff, is something that I’ve been wanting to do for a very, very long time.

“Getting a bunch of guys on the same page, pulling the same way, looking to develop the same mindset with these players. … We’ll try to create a new culture in spring training of what the Rockies look like moving forward.

“It’s a fresh start. With Paul coming in, with J.B. coming in, it just feels so fresh and new and exciting. It feels like we have a solid, good road ahead of us.”

Rockies fans will be forgiven if they counter Schaeffer’s optimism with pessimism. They have been down this offseason road before.

Still, there are indications that things are changing. The club has already jettisoned first baseman Michael Toglia, the first-round pick in 2019. It also cut loose catcher Drew Romo, who was the 35th overall pick in 2020 — the highest the Rockies have ever drafted a catcher. Those are signs that the new brass is setting the bar higher, no matter the player’s pedigree.

Rockies looking at possible free agents to fill gaping hole at first base

Plus, DePodesta says he's willing to try new things. Perhaps nothing as crazy as the "piggyback rotation" that failed so miserably in 2012, but new things nonetheless.

Asked, "How mad scientist are you?" DePodesta answered: "We've had some conversations with our pitching folks, and they've said, 'What do you think about this?' Or, 'What do you think about that?' And I've told them, everything is on the table."

"We've also had some good, objective data internally about some different things that may work, and other things, maybe not so much. We've already had some  really interesting discussions, and I'm really encouraged about the direction it's already headed."

That direction could include a new way to call pitches, via a new pitching coach.

According to a source, the Rockies will hire Alon Leichman as their new pitching coach. The club has not announced the move. Leichman's hire was first on Monday night. Leichman served as assistant pitching coach for Miami last season and held the same post with the Reds the two previous years.

Late last season, Marlins pitching coach Daniel Moskos and Leichman called pitches from the dugout. Whether or not the Rockies will go in that direction remains to be seen, but Schaffer has said he's open to some experimentation.

Colorado could also be changing its international team-building philosophy. While the Rockies have long invested in players from Latin America, they have largely ignored that talent pipeline from Japan and Korea.

DePodesta said that's going to change, and see the Rockies hunting for talent in Asia.

"I absolutely think it's important," he said. "We've talked about a necessity for us to be sort of active in every possible avenue to acquire talent. So, whether it's Latin America, whether it's Asia, whether it's the waiver wire, major league free agents, trades -- I mean, all of it -- I think we have to be actively involved in all of those to find some potential solutions for us."

For Schaeffer, improvement is all about taking care of business.

"I look at the daily process," he said. "Are we getting better every single day? That's legitimate ... and there are so many areas where we can get better.

"Obviously, with the season we had last year, there are a ton of areas that we can get better at. It's just a matter of being able to track them, set the standard and stick to it."

In fact, Paul DePodesta, the club’s new president of baseball operations, met with representatives of at least two free-agent first basemen on Monday afternoon. However, he didn’t say who the players were.

How Harvard shaped Paul DePodesta, the Rockies’ new front-office boss

"We're certainly entertaining the idea of some of the veterans that are out there," DePodesta said during his media session in the Rockies' suite at the posh Waldorf Astoria Hotel. "Right after this, I have a meeting with, or a couple of meetings, with some guys who represent some first basemen.

"But we also have some other guys still on the roster. One guy, in particular, had a nice September last year and did some interesting things, and then a first-round pick from two years ago is also a pretty good-looking player. So anyway, it could end up being a mix."

Here's how that all breaks down:

• The hole was created when Colorado cut ties with strikeout-prone Michael Toglia, the 2019 first-round draft choice, in November. On Saturday, Warming Bernabel, who supplanted Toglia at first base last season, cleared outright waivers and elected free agency. And then, of course, there is oft-injured veteran Kris Bryant, whose chronic back issues could prevent him from ever playing baseball again.

• For now, the only first baseman on the 40-man roster is Blaine Crim, who slashed .241/.295/.556 with five homers and two doubles in 15 games at the end of the season. The Rockies claimed Crim off waivers from Texas on Aug. 15. Crim, 28, was the guy that DePodesta said had a "nice September."

"We've got 'Crim' coming in to battle for that job," manager Warren Schaeffer said. "I feel like guys are going to come out in competition for that spot."

The "first-round pick from two years ago," of course, is 22-year-old Charlie Condon, selected out of Georgia with the third overall pick. Colorado's No. 2 prospect overcame injuries in his first professional season in 2024 to make an impressive showing in '25. At High-A Spokane, he hit .312 with three homers in 35 games. He struggled a bit after his promotion to Double-A Hartford, but still hit .235 and slugged 11 home runs in 55 games.

GM Josh Byrnes joined the Rockies for ‘the challenge’ and to team with Paul DePodesta

He shone in the Arizona Fall League, slashing .337/.439/.434 with one home run and 13 RBIs in 22 games. He also had a double and two triples.

• Possible free agents in the Rockies' offseason wheelhouse could be players such as Josh Bell, Luis Arraez and Ryan O’Hearn.

Filling staff. Schaeffer, in conjunction with DePodesta, new general manager Josh Byrnes and farm director Chris Forbes, has been working to fill out his big-league coach staff. However, Schaeffer is not ready to divulge the names.

"We're making strides behind closed doors," Schaeffer said. "There's been a lot of time spent on staff the last 10 days or so. It's starting to shape up."

DePodesta said that while the Rockies will likely hire a "new hitting leadership group," Nic Wilson and Jordan Pacheco will return in some capacity as hitting coaches. The duo took over when Hensley Meulens was fired early last season.

"But we will also bring in some new voices and new perspectives that will help, also," DePodesta said.

Feltner update. It's no secret that the Rockies' most pressing need is to fix a broken starting rotation that posted a 6.65 ERA last season, setting a modern-era record for futility. The club is actively looking at trades, the waiver wire and free agency to turn things around.

However, right-hander Ryan Feltner could be the most critical piece of the 2026 rotation -- if he can stay healthy. Back and shoulder injuries limited him to six starts in the majors and seven in the minors.

That was a huge disappointment, because Feltner was Colorado's best starter in the second half of the 2024 season. In his final outings, he posted a 2.75 ERA and a .227 batting average against.

The Rockies' staff, as well as Feltner, agree that he needs to get stronger to avoid injuries in 2026.

"I talk to 'Felt' often; he's doing well," Schaeffer said. "He's doing everything he can to get his body right for next year, and he's doing well. He knows that's something that he needs to do, and that's going to keep him healthy. It's a constant conversation.