UPDATE: The Colorado Rockies have just announced the dismissal of general manager Bill Schmidt following a staggering 119-loss season—one of the worst in Major League Baseball history. A nationwide search for his replacement is now underway.
This shocking move comes as the Rockies finished the season with a dismal record of 43-119, marking their third consecutive year of over 100 losses and extending their postseason drought to seven years. The team narrowly avoided being labeled the worst in history since the 162-game schedule was adopted in 1961, trailing only the 2024 Chicago White Sox, who recorded 41-121.
“We are setting our sights on finding the right leader from outside our organization who can bring a fresh perspective to the Rockies,” said Walker Monfort, the team’s executive vice president and son of owner Dick Monfort. This change is seen as an opportunity to reshape the future of Rockies baseball.
Schmidt, who joined the Rockies on October 1, 1999, as the director of scouting, rose through the ranks to become the team’s fourth general manager in 2021. In his departure statement, Schmidt expressed optimism for the franchise’s future: “Better seasons are ahead for the Rockies and our great fans, and I look forward to seeing it come to life in the years ahead.”
The Rockies’ new general manager will have the crucial task of determining the fate of the managerial position, currently held by Warren Schaeffer, who stepped in as interim manager after Bud Black was fired in May. Under Schaeffer, the team recorded just 36 wins against 86 losses.
Despite a young and talented roster, the Rockies face significant challenges ahead. Their run differential of -424 marks the worst since 1900, surpassing even the -349 recorded by the 1932 Boston Red Sox. Additionally, the starting rotation posted a staggering 6.65 ERA, the highest since the statistic became official in 1913.
“A new voice will benefit our organization as we work towards giving our fans the competitive team they deserve,” Dick Monfort stated regarding the front-office changes. The Rockies are at a crucial juncture, and the next steps taken will be pivotal for the future of the franchise.
As the search for a new general manager ramps up, fans will be closely watching for announcements that could define the next era of Rockies baseball. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
