UPDATE: The Colorado Rockies have officially announced that Warren Schaeffer will remain as the team’s full-time manager for the 2026 season, following a disastrous campaign that saw the franchise record a staggering 119 losses. This urgent decision comes just days after Schaeffer’s interim management concluded with the worst performance in the National League since 1962.
Under Schaeffer’s leadership, the Rockies struggled immensely, finishing the season with a 7-33 record after taking over from Bud Black, who was dismissed on May 11. The Rockies ended the season a shocking 50 games behind the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers, marking a historic low for the franchise.
“We’re confident Warren is the right person to lead our club moving forward,” stated Paul DePodesta, the new president of baseball operations. “He has established strong relationships with our players and embodies the energy and work ethic we want on and off the field.”
The Rockies’ pitching staff finished with an alarming 6.65 ERA, the highest since official records began in 1913. They allowed a staggering 1,021 runs, the most since the 1996 Detroit Tigers gave up 1,103. With a run differential of -424, the Rockies recorded the worst differential since 1900, surpassing the infamous 1932 Boston Red Sox and the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
In a season filled with struggles, there were bright spots, including a breakout performance from All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman, who tallied 31 homers and 91 RBIs while hitting .278. The Rockies also celebrated 2024 Gold Glove winners in Ezequiel Tovar and Brenton Doyle, providing hope amidst a tumultuous season.
Looking ahead, Schaeffer expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “My focus remains on continuing to build a strong, unified culture based on accountability, hard work, and trust. We have a group of guys who care deeply about competing the right way.” He aims to strengthen relationships within the team, fostering a culture that fans can embrace.
Attention now shifts to the Rockies’ future as they look to rebuild following this challenging season. The organization is expected to make key decisions in the offseason, particularly regarding player acquisitions and further management changes after the recent dismissal of general manager Bill Schmidt on October 1.
This announcement marks a pivotal moment for the Rockies as they seek to turn the tide on a season that will go down in history for all the wrong reasons. Fans are eager to see if Schaeffer can lead the team back to competitiveness in the coming years.
